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GUANTANAMO BAY, Cuba - Members of the Joint Detention Group stood fired up at Joint Task Force Guantanamo’s Windward Range during the JDG Change of Command and Change of Responsibility Ceremony June 24. Teeming with tradition, the morning’s ceremony included an inspection of troops, the passing of the battalion colors and the pass in review. The reviewing officer for the change of command was JTF Commander, Navy Rear Adm. Richard Butler.
“I really am honored to be apart of this occasion where we transfer command responsibility from one outstanding leader to another and really reflect on what the vigilant Warriors of the Joint Detention Group have achieved over the past two years,” said Butler.
As the JTF’s mission is to provide the safe, humane, legal, transparent care and custody of detainees is the mission of the JDG, their success in it relies on numerous aspects.
“A hallmark of the Joint Detention Group has always been the professionalism and uncompromising standards of the dedicated personnel and at the highest caliber, these Warriors provide a vital mission, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, representing the pride and fidelity of the Joint Detention Group and Joint Task Force Guantanamo,” said Butler.
The change of responsibility ceremony welcomed the new leadership for the JDG which included Army Col. David Heath, incoming commander who took over for Army Col. John Bogdan, outgoing commander and Army Command Sgt. Maj. Shawn McLeod, incoming JDG command sergeant major, who took the seat of Army Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Borlin, outgoing command sergeant major.
“Col. Heath, Dave you’re getting a hell of a team,” said Bodgan. “I know you will continue to push them further and faster than I have. Best of luck … I could not have asked for a better team of leaders and Warriors to accomplish this mission.”
As the JDG commander, the roles and responsibilities Bogdan asked of his Troops was simple.
“Over the past two years, I’ve asked each and every Soldier on this field to do one thing – to give a damn – to take care of your unit, to take pride in your unit, yourself and your Army,” said Bogdan.
Visiting official and guest speaker Marine Gen. John F. Kelly, commander, U.S. Southern Command, voiced to the Soldiers of the JDG why he is thoroughly proud of the professionalism exemplified at the JTF.
“At the end of the day, people like us, in uniform, the U.S. Military, always deliver our country a win,” said Kelly. “We always do, and you deliver our country a win every day here in Guantanamo. You are doing a magnificent job down here.”
The leadership that spoke at the ceremony all had one thing in common to say. Rather than giving the credit of the JDG’s success to themselves and their peers, they directed the attention to the Soldiers in the formation that stood in front of them.
“You walk the blocks, stand the posts, man the perimeter, guard the sally ports and access points in order to safeguard and protect the worst our enemy has to offer. You spend over half your time here in constant contact with the enemy, looking evil in the eyes without blinking and, regardless of what they do, you respond with dignified professionalism because we are American Soldiers. This is what we do. This is what we believe. It’s about who we are not who they are and you understand that and set the example for the world to see,” said Bogdan.
| Date Taken: | 07.03.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 07.03.2014 09:29 |
| Story ID: | 135232 |
| Location: | GUANTANAMO BAY , CU |
| Web Views: | 363 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Joint Task Force welcomes new JDG leadership, by PV2 Kourtney Grimes, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
