Task Force Gambler Guns' Southwest Asia aviation tour ends

Photo By Capt. Aaron Shaffer | SOUTHWEST ASIA – U.S. Army Col. Charles Hausman, center left, 35th Combat Aviation Brigade commander, U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer 5 Robert Murrell, second from left, 35th CAB command chief warrant officer, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Javier Acosta, 35th CAB, present a plaque in recognition of excellent performance to U.S. Army Lt. Col. Timothy Jaeger, second from right, commander of 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, headquartered in Fort Carson, Colorado, and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Ruben Davila, right, 4-4 ARB. The 35th CAB and 4-4 ARB are a part of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve. CJTF – OIR works jointly with Coalition partners to assist in developing a sustainable and inclusive Coalition, which can return normalcy across the region and ensure the lasting defeat of DAESH. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Aaron Shaffer)  

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03.09.2019

Story by Capt. Aaron Shaffer 

35th Combat Aviation Brigade

SOUTHWEST ASIA – U.S. Army Lt. Col. Timothy Jaeger, commander of 4th Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, headquartered in Fort Carson, Colorado, currently assigned to the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade, Missouri Army National Guard, recently completed a transfer of authority ceremony.

During their time here, the 4-4 ARB, known as “Task Force Gambler Guns,” completed aviation missions in support of efforts for Coalition partners of Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve.

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Glenn McQuown, commander 1st Attack Reconnaissance Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, headquartered in Fort Riley, Kansas, “Task Force Gunfighter,” accepted operational control from Lt. Col. Jaeger.

Jaeger is pleased with his team’s accomplishments. “The Command Sgt. Maj. [Ruben Davila] and I are extremely proud of our team of professionals,” said Jaeger. He added that teamwork, hard work, and ensuring everyone at every level working to mitigate risk were all factors in their success here.

“We are very proud of the Task Force Gambler team and their accomplishments over the last 9 months,” said U.S. Army Col. Charles Hausman, commander of the 35th CAB, “Task Force Trailblazers.” “They have shown amazing flexibility to adopt to a changing environment and could always be counted on to complete whatever mission was tasked to them. Their performance was exceptional.”

Gambler Guns’ focus during this deployment was to provide support to Coalition forces in defeating Daesh with aviation assets including Apache helicopters. Their main efforts included reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition with attack capabilities. Other Coalition support efforts included providing emergency medical evacuation and like services throughout their areas of operation.

Managing operations in eight locations across three countries, Gambler Guns’ achievements during their time here are impressive. In less than nine months, they flew approximately 12,000 hours completing missions for the Coalition. Over 4,700 of those hours were from Apache helicopters.

“I am most impressed with how our team worked together to accomplish our mission and support our higher headquarters,” said Jaeger. “It’s been an honor to work for and with the 35th CAB. The task force is filled with professionals and experts who worked together in order to complete our mission.”

The Gunfighter team leaves behind large shoes to fill. “I’m very proud to lead Task Force Gunfighter,” said McQuown. “Our team is incredibly well prepared and excited to join the ranks of the Coalition. We are determined to serve and support this important mission.”

“We look forward to working with Task Force Gunfighter moving forward,” said Hausman. “They have integrated quickly into the team and bring a fresh perspective to operations. Their experience and professionalism have a direct, positive impact on their ability to conduct a smooth transition.”

McQuown is seated in heritage and historic achievements. “We are Big Red One Soldiers, the First Infantry Division, our Army’s First Division, and proud to serve forward deployed the year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of D-Day and the incredible sacrifices made by so many in our Division,” said McQuown.

Remembering Soldiers’ families and loved ones supporting him and everyone in the 1-1 ARB, McQuown said, “I’d be remiss if I did not say hello to our families and loved ones back home, they are an important part of this mission and our service would not be possible without them.”

• Date Taken: 03.09.2019
• Date Posted: 03.09.2019 09:04
• Story ID: 313638
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)