Story by: 1st Lt. Arthur Gray
1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment 2nd Brigade Combat Team, Public Affairs Office 4th Infantry Division
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan – The ‘Death Dealers’ of 1st Battalion, 67th Armor Regiment, held a transfer of authority ceremony with the ‘Iron Knights’ of 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment at the Arghandab District Operational Coordination Center, June 20.
The ceremony marks the beginning of the Dealer’s one year deployment to Afghanistan to help the Afghans improve their security, governance and development.
The transition could not have gone better, said Lt. Col Michael Simmering, commander of 1st Bn. 67th AR. The discipline, professionalism and tenacity shown by the Iron Knight soldiers allowed for significant gains in improving security in the Arghandab River Valley, he said.
As the Dealers assume partnered responsibility of the valley, they understand the tremendous opportunity ahead of them.
“We certainly have a tough act to follow,” said Maj. Vinnie Garbarino, battalion executive officer. “The Iron soldiers made huge strides in stabilizing this area and we must maintain their momentum.”
Throughout the transition between units, the Dealers saw firsthand the dedication of the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Police to improve their country.
“We look forward to building upon the success that the Iron soldiers started and continuing to move forward with our allied partners,” said Simmering. “More importantly this partnership will show the Afghan people that they can depend upon their government, police and army.”