By Sgt. 1st Class Stacy Niles
214th Fires Brigade Public Affairs Office
FORWARD OPERATING BASE DELTA, Iraq – The 3rd Georgian Infantry Brigade transferred its responsibilities to the 1st Georgian Infantry Brigade, Feb. 4, at Forward Operating Base Delta.
The 3rd GIB's mission was to secure Wasit province, stop the flow of accelerants into Baghdad and provide force protection at FOB Delta.
"I am standing here today feeling proud for my units because they were so successful in fulfilling their missions. We are returning back home filled with gratification and a sense of accomplishment," said Maj. Shavlego Tabatadze, the 3rd GIB commander. "We believe that even though relatively young, the Georgian Army is one of the strongest and (most) successful armies among the coalition forces that are safeguarding freedom and security all over the world.
"We will apply the skills and experiences gained here in Iraq for our country's unification mission," Tabatadze said.
Tabatadze and his brigade's efforts were praised by Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch, Multi-National Division - Center commander.
"I believe as an adult you have a choice: you can read history or you can make history," said Lynch, addressing the (3rd GIB) Soldiers, "and you have made history by your competence and because of your great leadership."
Welcoming the 1st GIB, Lynch said the brigade had made a magnificent first impression with their focus and courage.
In accepting responsibilities from 3rd GIB, Lt. Col. Roin Vacharidze, the 1st GIB commander, acknowledged the difficulty of the tasks ahead.
"The 1st Georgian Brigade has a long and turbulent road ahead," Vacharidze said. "The success of this road is determined by those first steps we are going to take right here in Wasit province. First and 3rd Georgian brigades are very fortunate to have an opportunity to enrich their combat experience under the umbrella of the Multi-National Division - Center.
"Today we are proud that we, Georgians, are a part of all the other forces that are building peace and democracy in Iraq," Vacharidze said. "I was thinking that not a very long time ago, Georgia could not have even dreamt for such an opportunity, but we are here today...to help eradicate evil and give Iraqi people an opportunity to raise their families in a safe and prosperous environment; we are here to make our country, Georgia, proud."
The 1st GIB was created in April, 1992. The 11th and 12th Battalions of the 1st GIB participated in joint operations in Baqubah, Iraq, and the 13th Battalion was deployed to Baghdad in 2005.
| Date Taken: |
02.05.2008 |
| Date Posted: |
02.05.2008 15:33 |
| Story ID: |
16069 |
| Location: |
AL KUT, IQ |
| Web Views: |
371 |
| Downloads: |
298 |
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