Task Force Marne Commander, CSM welcome ‘Golden Dragons’

Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | Task Force Marne Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, speaks to “Golden Dragon” soldiers of 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, out of Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, about his expectations, at the Warrior Gym, Forward Operating Base Warrior in Kirkuk, Iraq, July 20.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

07.20.2010

Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

KIRKUK, Iraq - “Golden Dragon” soldiers of 1st Battalion, 14th Infantry, 2nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division out of Wheeler Army Airfield, Hawaii, were welcomed to the Task Force Marne Team, by Task Force Marne Commanding General, Maj. Gen. Tony Cucolo, and Task Force Marne Command Sergeant Major, Command Sgt. Maj. Jesse Andrews, at the Warrior Gym, Forward Operating Base Warrior, in Kirkuk, Iraq, July 20.

The briefing was held to give the Task Force Marne command team an opportunity to introduce themselves to the soldiers and to explain expectations during the deployment.

The Hawaii-based soldiers, currently scheduled for a year-long deployment, are joining the “Ready First” soldiers of 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division out of Fort Bliss, Texas, and will work closely with Iraqi security forces around Hawijah, Iraq.

“I wanted to welcome all of you to Task Force Marne, I am honored to serve with all of you and I am happy to have you here for the transition into stability operations,” said Cucolo.

“You need to be the best example of a professional soldier because your behavior is important to a successful mission,” said Cucolo.

He went on to explain that during this deployment much more will be expected out of every soldier.

The “Golden Dragons” will have a very active role during this advise and assist mission; they will be patrolling with their partners, training them and preparing for the transfer to stability operations, he said.

He also said the “Golden Dragons” cannot forget about their personal well-being during this 12-month deployment.

“Each of you need to find a way to improve yourself; read a book to your child once-a-month, quit smoking, improve your bench press or read a book,” he said. “Just do something for you.”

Cucolo ended the briefing by reminding the “Golden Dragons” how honored he is.

“As American soldiers you are writing history and it is an honor to serve with you,” he said.

• Date Taken: 07.20.2010
• Date Posted: 07.28.2010 03:06
• Story ID: 53521
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ