KFOR’s Regional Command-East Welcomes New Maneuver Battalion

Photo By Staff Sgt. Anna Pongo | Kosovo Force’s Regional Command-East Maneuver Battalion transferred authority from the 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Kentucky Army National Guard (Task Force Mountain Warrior), to the 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Indiana Army National Guard (Task Force Avenger) during a ceremony on Camp Nova Selo, Kosovo, on Oct. 29, 2022. (U.S. Army photos by Staff Sgt. Anna Pongo, 111th Public Affairs Detachment, Nebraska National Guard)  

CAMP NOVA SELO, KOSOVO

10.31.2022

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Herschel Talley 

KFOR Regional Command East

CAMP NOVA SELO, KOSOVO – Kosovo Force’s Regional Command-East Maneuver Battalion (Task Force Mountain Warrior) held a casing of the colors ceremony, during which authority was transferred from Task Force Mountain Warrior to Task Force Avenger, at Camp Nova Selo, Kosovo, on Oct. 29, 2022.
The 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Kentucky Army National Guard (Task Force Mountain Warrior), relinquished responsibility to the 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Indiana Army National Guard (Task Force Avenger).
During the ceremony, Task Force Mountain Warrior cased their unit’s flag, signifying the end of their nine-month mission in Kosovo. Task Force Avenger then unfurled their unit’s colors, representing the beginning of their support of KFOR’s mission.
“We have big shoes to fill, but I look forward to demonstrating our commitment to building a safe and secure environment,” said Lt. Col. Jared Sheets, commander of Task Force Avenger.
During their nine months in Kosovo Task Force Mountain Warrior conducted more than 3,000 independent patrols through the regions within RC-East.
Lt. Col. Jason Mendez, commander of Task Force Mountain Warrior, said their mission required them to forward stage or rapidly deploy forces whenever called on. Mendez also highlighted their continued collaboration with their allied nations and NATO partners.
“This mission can at times be complex and recognizing how our battalion fit within the construct of KFOR was essential,” Mendez said.
The outgoing colonel closed by describing his favorite thing about Kosovo: its people. He explained he had never met more welcoming, generous and hospitable people.
“The mission is significant. The people we’ve served with have left their mark. But in the end, the people we serve here in Kosovo give us great purpose and are worth all of our resolute support,” Mendez said.
KFOR RC-East comprises ten contributing NATO partner nations. Its mission is to maintain a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for all communities in Kosovo, as mandated by the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1244 of 1999.

• Date Taken: 10.31.2022
• Date Posted: 10.31.2022 10:16
• Story ID: 432319
• Location: CAMP NOVA SELO, ZZ