Photo By Sgt. Jeff Ledesma | The Forward Logistics Element with the 126th Brigade Support Battalion, an Army...... read more read more
BAGHDAD — As a year-long journey comes to an end for a group of logistics Soldiers, it's just beginning for another.
A Forward Logistics Element with the 126th Brigade Support Battalion transferred operational responsibility to the 612th Quartermaster Company (Forward) during a formation in the Iraqi capital, April 3.
The Logistics Task Force commander, Lt. Col. Randal Nelson, told the Soldiers that people back home may not understand the importance of their accomplishments.
"Significant strides have been made the last year ... your Iraqi counterparts speak very highly of you and your contributions," Nelson said. "So, return to your homes with a satisfaction that comes from knowing you've made a difference."
With the Army National Guard unit out of Framingham, Mass., heading back home, the company-sized element from Fort Bragg, N.C., will assume the duties of advising the 3rd Support Battalion, the Garrison Support Unit, and each Regional Commando Battalion of the Iraqi Special Operations Forces.
According to Nelson, who oversaw the ceremony, building the ISOF is a national priority.
Nelson explained that one of the responsibilities of the FLE is advising the Garrison Support Unit, a battalion that provides life support functions such as fire department and general utilities like waste water treatment, power, and base defense.
Their Iraqi counterpart, the 3rd Support Battalion, provides logistical support for the entire ISOF Brigade, to include the Regional Commando Battalions strategically placed throughout Iraq.
"It's extremely vital for the guys who are fighting the fight that the support aspect is fully operational," said the incoming commander 1st Lt. Michael Zdrojesky.
Speaking to the Soldiers in formation, Nelson said that some of you have been and others are becoming very important players in this process.
Although he knows this assignment will have its fair share of challenges, Sgt. 1st Class Ricardo Esquivel, the incoming first sergeant and native of San Antonio, said he looks forward to being a part of an especially important aspect of rebuilding Iraq — the logistical facet.
The incoming Soldiers understand the gravity of the mission here.
"Our mission is to not only advise the support battalion and the [general support units], but get them to the point where they can successfully conduct all logistical operations on their own," said Zdrojesky of Philadelphia. "That should be the final outcome."
| Date Taken: | 04.13.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.13.2009 12:07 |
| Story ID: | 32337 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 278 |
| Downloads: | 216 |
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