Muleskinners take mission from Wagonmasters

AFGHANISTAN

05.29.2017

Story by Sgt. Christopher Schmiett 

1st Armored Division, Division Sustainment Brigade

The TOA ceremony symbolizes the official end of the mission for 1st CD RSSB with the casing of their brigade colors and uncasing of the 1st AD RSSB colors. This marks the beginning of the 1st AD RSSB mission of providing logistical and sustainment support and operations, to include fuel, ammunition, food, supplies, and mail in their [1st AD RSSB] area of operation.
“TF Muleskinners we are ready,” said Col. Michael Lalor, commander of the 1st AD RSSB, and a native of Goshen, New York. “It’s our time. We look forward to leading this brigade, it’s Soldiers, and being part of the Resolute Support mission. Together we will help write the next chapter here, supporting security force development and counter-terrorism operations here in Afghanistan.”
Lalor also took the time to thank the outgoing command team, leaders, and Soldiers for all their hard work and dedication, for not only their dedication to their country, but also for their hard work to help make Afghanistan a prosper nation.
"This is a great morning where we have an opportunity to take a moment and recognize the tremendous accomplishments of the TF Wagonmasters over the last nine months in support of the Resolute Support and Freedom’s Sentinel missions here in Afghanistan,” said Lalor. “TF Wagonmasters has made a true difference in a challenging and dynamic environment, providing: responsive and anticipatory sustainment; retrograding and re-organizing the Combined Joint Operations Area to provide options to commanders; enabling counter-corruption efforts and raising the skill levels of both coalition and Afghan sustainers, all while shaping the future operational environment across the country.”
The smooth transition for the TF Muleskinners back to Afghanistan after only being home for less than two years was made possible by the TF Wagonmasters.
“True professionals,” said Lalor. “TF Wagonmasters has worked tirelessly to assist the Muleskinners in preparing us for the challenges ahead, as we embark on our mission to maintain momentum, build on their great work, and keep the ball moving ever forward.”
For some of the TF Muleskinners team, this is the first time deploying to this theater of operation, and they are ready and eager to contribute to making this a successful mission.
First-time deployer, Pfc. Dylan Cassidy, an information technology specialist, with 1st AD RSSB, expressed that the fast pace in his working environment will require him to grow his knowledge base. He stated that he is eager for the new challenges that may arise every day and that he has full confidence in the command team of Lalor and Command Sgt. Maj. Sean Howard, the senior enlisted advisor for the 1st AD RSSB, and a native of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
With the command team and Soldiers mentally and physically ready to begin their mission on Memorial Day, the TF Wagonmasters are ready to reunite with their Families and loved ones.
The day was filled with excitement as the TF Wagonmasters ended their mission, and they will soon be home. It was also filled with an air of solemn reembrace for those Wagonmasters that made the ultimate sacrifice during their nine-month tour.
“TF Wagonmasters has executed this mission brilliantly, and with great sacrifice to their Soldiers and Families,” said Lalor. “On this Memorial Day, the Muleskinners recognize those Soldiers and teammates who gave all. We will not forget.”
Lalor ended his speech with a message for all of the Soldiers, noncommissioned and commissioned officers in the RSSB.
“It’s time to chop the wood in front of us and work the problem. Iron Support! First Team!” said Lalor.

• Date Taken: 05.29.2017
• Date Posted: 06.01.2017 09:21
• Story ID: 235940
• Location: AF