Sustainers bid farewell to 70th Regional Readiness Command

BALAD, IRAQ

04.15.2009

Story by Spc. Michael Behlin 

3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command

JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq — Soldiers of the 70th Regional Readiness Command received their end-of-tour awards honoring their service and accomplishments during a ceremony here, April 7.

The ceremony marked the end of the 70th RRC Soldier's deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as they redeployed back to their home base of Fort Lawton, Wash.

Presiding over the ceremony was 3d Sustainment Command (Expeditionary)Commanding General, Brig. Gen. Michael J. Lally, who presented the Soldiers awards and thanked them for their service.

"Normally, when I give remarks like this, [when] we're doing a transfer of authority or a change of command one unit leaves, another enters," said Lally. "Today is a little different. Today instead of saying farewell to a unit, we're saying farewell to part of our own team."

"Each one of you took your own individual competence and helped us form a highly effective team that is recognized across Iraq for our professionalism, competence and ability to get the job done to high standards," Lally continued. "Be proud of your accomplishments."

The various awards Lally presented to the 70th RRC Soldiers included the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, and Army Achievement Medal. Lally also presented Soldiers who excelled in volunteering with various organizations on Joint Base Balad, the Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal.

The 70th RRC Soldiers came from many different states and civilian career fields when they joined the 3d ESC here. In fact, many 70th RRC Soldiers joined the 3d ESC during their training exercises at Fort Campbell and Fort Knox, Ky., which began the integration process for the units.

Lally said that throughout their deployment, the 70th RRC Soldiers were responsible for helping to ensure command and control of five brigades, totaling 17,000 Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines. He mentioned that some were even in charge of staff sections, and led them skillfully.

All in all, the Soldiers themselves were pleased with their hard work and proud of their accomplishments.

"It was a remarkable time that we spent here and I saw a lot of change," said Lt. Col. Douglas Jones, a Wenatchee, Wash., native who served as the 3d ESC force protection officer in charge. "We've seen a huge decline in attacks against our convoys and that was a very good thing to see in our time here."

• Date Taken: 04.15.2009
• Date Posted: 05.05.2009 07:19
• Story ID: 33205
• Location: BALAD, IQ