Iraqi Army posts colors, CF retires colors at PB Pickett in Northern Rashaad Valley

Photo By Staff Sgt. Margaret Nelson | Soldiers with the 4th Company, 15th Battalion, 4th Iraq Army Division salute the Iraqi flag during a transfer of authority ceremony, Sept. 4, 2008, at Patrol Base Pickett in the northern Rashaad Valley of the Kirkuk province. Soldiers with the 2nd Battalion, 22nd Inf. Regt., 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division relinquished command and retired the colors at the PB located in the Al Noor village. The PB will retain its name Pickett in honor of Staff Sgt. Tyler Pickett, a 'Triple Deuce' Soldier who was killed during a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device attack at the PB, June 8, 2008.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

09.04.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. Margaret Nelson 

1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

By Staff Sgt. Margaret C. Nelson
1st Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division

KIRKUK, Iraq – As one flag was retired, another was raised - Soldiers of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 22nd Inf. Regt., 1st Brigade, 10th Mountain Division relinquished command of Patrol Base Pickett to Soldiers of 4th Company, 15th Battalion, 4th Iraq Army Division during a transfer of authority ceremony, Sept. 4, 2008, at the PB located in the northern Rashaad Valley in the province of Kirkuk.

"It's been an honor serving with you," Capt. Matthew Lee, commander, Company B, 2-22 Inf. Regt., said. "We have sacrificed much so that the people of the Rashaad Valley and Al Noor village can live in peace. I have complete faith that you will carry on our mission here with distinction."

The Patrol Base was named after Staff Sgt. Tyler E. Pickett, killed, June 8, in an attack against the PB perpetrated by a suicide bomber driving a vehicle laden with explosives. One of the conditions of the turn-over was that the Iraqi Army retain the PB's name, according to 1st Sgt. Carl Yarbrough, Company B, 2-22 Inf. Regt.

The first sergeant told the Iraqi army soldiers during the ceremony that they would be successful due in part to their undying love for their country..."because you believe in the cause of a democratic society and truly want a brighter future for your families, loved ones and fellow countrymen," he said.

The ceremony concluded with Lt. Darha, commander, 4th Company, 15-4 IA, thanking the 2-22 Inf. Regt. Soldiers for their sacrifices, leadership, and friendship. "We will always remember what you did for us here," he said.

• Date Taken: 09.04.2008
• Date Posted: 09.05.2008 07:25
• Story ID: 23237
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ