Goodbye Iraq, hello Fort Hood

Courtesy Photo | (From left to right) The Commander of the 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, Lt. Col. Gregory Koller, a native of Mobile, Ala., and Command Sgt. Maj. Orlando McMurry, a Ruston, La., native, case the 553rd CSSB colors signifying the completion of their 15-month deployment to Iraq.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

06.22.2009

Courtesy Story

10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade Public Affairs Office

CAMP LIBERTY, Iraq - The 553rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 10th Sustainment Brigade, transferred authority June 9 during a ceremony, signifying the 260th CSSB from Hunter Army Airfield, Ga., now has the reins for convoy missions at Camp Liberty.

Lt. Col. Gregory Koller, a native of Mobile, Ala., and the 553rd commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Orlando McMurry, the senior enlisted non-commissioned officer and Ruston, La., native, handed off the roles and responsibilities to Lt. Col. Robert Dixon, a native of Frankfort, Ind., and Command Sgt. Maj. Dwight Williams, a Baltimore native, who are ready and eager to get things started.

"After the 553rd's 15-month deployment to Iraq, each and every Soldier throughout the ranks will have a high level of pride and confidence to take back to their families and friends patiently waiting for their return to Fort Hood, Texas", said McMurry.

The 260th CSSB's chaplain, Capt. Sean Facchinello, a Richmond Hill, Ga., native, said, "This will be this battalion's best deployment because things are moving forward here in Iraq from where they have been in years past. We are now able to focus on teaching and training the Iraqi people and Soldiers, instead of having to spend so much time on fighting and combat.

Koller said, "This deployment for the 553rd CSSB is a complete success, and by success I mean, the Soldiers got the work done that was asked of them.

"Taking units underneath your command that normally don't belong to you is a tough challenge. Each unit comes in at different levels and each has its own expectations and goals. As a commander, it is my responsibility to take each unit and develop them in the direction of the battle plan. It was a great honor working with each and every professional in my command. Leopard 6, out!"

• Date Taken: 06.22.2009
• Date Posted: 06.22.2009 06:20
• Story ID: 35450
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ