by Spc. Michael Pfaff
133rd MPAD
TIKRIT, Iraq (Sept. 13, 2006) -- The 25th Infantry Division uncased its colors, accepting responsibility for operations in Multi-National Division North Iraq from the 101st Airborne Division during a mission assumption day ceremony here today.
The 25th Infantry Division and Task Force Lightning, which includes elements from the 82nd Airborne Division, 4th Infantry Division and 2nd Infantry Division, will continue the mission of transitioning areas of operation to the Iraqi Army, Iraqi Police and other Iraqi Security Forces in the region.
"Our mission here is clear," said Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Mixon, commander of the 25th Infantry Division and Task Force Lightning during the ceremony. "To provide our Iraqi friends and counterparts the assistance they need to take over their own security and create a safe and secure environment so the Iraqi people can live a free, prosperous, and terror-free life."
Mixon then deviated from his prepared speech to speak "from the heart" to attending Iraqi dignitaries and Iraqi Security Forces officers. He focused on maintaining the relationship between coalition forces and continuing efforts to secure the region and its people.
Also attending the event were Gen. George Casey, commanding general of Multi-National Forces in Iraq, Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, commanding general of Multi-National Corps in Iraq and Dr. Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. Ambassador to Iraq.
During their year-long tour in Iraq the 101st Airborne Division and the Task Force Band of Brothers assisted two Iraqi Army Divisions in assuming responsibility for security in their provinces. The other two Iraqi Army Divisions in the region are projected to assume responsibility for security in their provinces over the next three months with assistance from coalition forces.
The 25th Infantry Division will also focus on continuing the efforts of the 101st Airborne Division to help rebuild Iraq's infrastructure and further the democratic process.
The 101st Airborne Division will return to Fort Campbell, Ky., in order to prepare for their next "rendezvous with destiny."