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By Spc. Luke S. Austin
33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team
KABUL, Afghanistan – Dec. 19 marked the start of the 33rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team's journey as the headquarters for Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix VIII, Operation Enduring Freedom.
In a transfer of authority ceremony at Camp Phoenix, the 27th IBCT, New York Army National Guard, passed authority of CTJF Phoenix to the Illinois-based 33rd IBCT. Brig. Gen. Steven P. Huber, Illinois Army National Guard, took command of the task force with confidence that the vision and efforts of the 33rd IBCT could successfully uphold the standards set by the task force's outgoing command.
"Today we celebrate the success of one command and the bright future of another," Huber stated. "The 27th paved a way for their own success and provided a path for ours."
Col. Brian K. Balfe took command of CJTF Phoenix VII on April 26 and assumed control of the responsibility to train and mentor the Afghan national security forces (Afghan national army and the Afghan national police). Despite shortages, Balfe led the 27th through nine months of tough operations, said Maj. Gen. Richard P. Formica, Combined Security Transition Command- Afghanistan commander.
"While training the ANSF, the 27th helped deliver a better life to the nationals through a wide array of humanitarian efforts," Formica said.
Balfe stated with pride his confidence in the transition of command to the 33rd IBCT "... in better condition than it was given to us."
Many were called, few chosen, and many volunteered, said Balfe, in order to improve the Afghan peoples' chances for a better life.
"An act of terrorism brought us here and all of us will never forget," Balfe said. "Being here brought us full circle."
And now that they begin their trek home, the leadership of CJTF Phoenix VII has full confidence in the abilities of CJTF Phoenix VIII and the 33rd IBCT.
"I have every confidence that the 33rd will build upon the great work of Task Force Phoenix VII."
"I've seen the 33rd as they prepared for the mission. They are focused and Illinois, as well as the Soldiers' families and employers, have provided the support for their success," said Formica.
Much work was done, and much remains as Brig. Gen. Huber and the Soldiers of the 33rd IBCT assume command of CJTF Phoenix VIII in the ongoing support of the ANSF. Task Force Phoenix VIII continues what was begun to train and mentor the Afghan soldiers and policemen to conduct independent operations and stabilize the Afghan government.
"Task Force Phoenix VIII and all the coalition have the opportunity to make a real difference for the nation, as well as individuals," said Huber.
And so, with the long anticipated return of the 27th IBCT to New York, he said, the journey from Illinois of the 33rd IBCT to command CJTF Phoenix VIII begins.
| Date Taken: | 12.21.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 12.21.2008 00:40 |
| Story ID: | 27958 |
| Location: | KABUL, AF |
| Web Views: | 1,472 |
| Downloads: | 1,007 |
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