Courtesy Photo | Lt. Col. Joe Hargett and Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Mergenshroer, both of the 890th...... read more read more
By Sgt. Carmen L. Guerrero
890th Engineer Battalion, 926th Engineer Brigade, Multi-National Division-Baghdad
BAGHDAD, Iraq- Soldiers dream of the day when their relief finally comes into play. After months of training, hardships, accomplishments and rewarding results, units look forward to when they can exchange their time in Iraq for well-deserved time back home in the states.
The dream came true, July 10, for the 107th Engineer Battalion out of Ishpeming, Mich., when they participated in the relief in place/transfer of authority ceremony with the 890th Engineer Battalion out of Gulfport, Miss., and the reigns were officially handed over to the newcomers.
The 890th Engineer Battalion received a warm welcome from the 107th Engineer Battalion as the two battalions began their right seat/left seat ride and started the exchange of their living and working areas. The RIP/TOA process takes about two weeks and is a bittersweet feeling for all parties involved in such a process. Once the ceremony has taken place, the transfer of authority is officially recognized and the incoming battalion can officially start their mission.
The 890th Engineer Battalion comes offering route clearance support in Iraq.
Maj. Scott Etalamaki, master of ceremonies, started the ceremony by welcoming the official party, along with other guests who came to see the transition between the two battalions. The national anthem was played, followed by the invocation, given by Maj. Roger Rhodes, chaplain of the 107th Engineer Battalion. Followed by Maj. Anthony Smith, commander of the troops, from the 890th Engineer Battalion, prepared the outgoing battalion to case their colors.
The history of the 107th was read by Etalamaki as their colors were cased. After casing of the colors, Lt. Col. Dean DeGrote, commander of the 107th Engineer Battalion, moved to the podium to speak of the challenges, hardships and accomplishments that his battalion faced while on their deployment.
Next, the history of the 890th Engineer Battalion was read by Capt. Phillip Moseley, member of the 890th. At the end of the historical reading, it was finally time for the 890th to unveil their colors.
Lt. Col. Joe Hargett, commander of the 890th Engineer Battalion, then spoke of the mission his battalion was about to embrace- route clearance support in Iraq.
Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Talley, a native of South Bend, Ind., who serves as the commander of the 926th Engineer Brigade based in Montgomery, Ala., next contributed to the ceremony by speaking to members of the 107th Engineer Battalion and the 890th Engineer Battalion.
Capt. Timothy Sactic, chaplain of the 890th, then delivered benediction before the start of the Army song.
The end is near for the 107th and now it is time for the 890th to fill their shoes in a mission that is sure to make history.
| Date Taken: | 07.26.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 07.27.2008 02:36 |
| Story ID: | 21873 |
| Location: | BAGHDAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 500 |
| Downloads: | 189 |
This work, Take Control: Mississippi Soldiers from the 890th Engineer Battalion relieve the 107th Engineer Battalion, by SSG Carmen Yepez, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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