FOB Warrior says, farewell 'Red Dragons'

Photo By Spc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile | Lt. Col. Terry P. Cook, the commander of 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, salutes the colors during a ceremony where they cased their colors and transferred partnership to 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment, on Forward Operating Base Warrior Dec. 10.  

KIRKUK, IRAQ

12.10.2009

Story by Pfc. Jessica Luhrs-Stabile 

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE WARRIOR, KIRKUK, Iraq— "Red Dragons, you have been in the arena, your faces have been marred by dust, sweat and blood, and you have risked everything to assist our partners in bringing the light of freedom to the citizens of Kirkuk," were the words that echoed across the crowded gym.

With a year of hard work, blood, sweat and tears under their belt, the 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment "Red Dragons," 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, handed over the torch of guarding security and building the stability in Kirkuk city to the 1st Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment "Battle Boars," attached to 1st Brigade, 1st Armored Division, during a ceremony on Forward Operating Base Warrior in Kirkuk, Iraq, Dec. 10.

"Battle Boars, as demonstrated by our transition, you are well qualified for the task at hand and I am confident in the Battle Boars ability to continue to make a difference," said Lt. Col. Terry P. Cook, the commander of 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, during his speech. "You have great leaders; you have courageous soldiers, you will partner with the best security forces in all of Iraq, and you inherit a true opportunity and chance to make a lasting impact in our nation's commitment to freedom."

The 1st Bn., 30th Inf. Regt. has been transitioning with 3rd Bn., 82nd FA Regt. for nearly a month as they pass over the reins of partnership.

The Battle Boars will continue the work of the Red Dragons by partnering with the Kirkuk security forces, according to Cook.

According to Cook, the strong partnership between 3rd Bn., 82nd FA Regt., and Iraqi security forces within the city lead to a decrease in crime, violence and insurgent activities.

"With strong partnerships and cooperation we will continue down this path," said Lt. Col. Daniel Cormier, the commander of 1st Bn., 30th Inf. Regt. "God willing, Kirkuk will be the model, the example for all of security, prosperity and cooperation."

Leaders from the various policing organizations within Kirkuk city were present for the historic transition.

"I want to thank the leaders of Iraq's security force, our partners who are here today," said Cormier. "You represent the citizens of Iraq and hope for a better future."

For the next year, the Battle Boars will build a relationship with their ISF partners and work to continue to progress made in Kirkuk city, according to Cormier.

"I would like to leave the Battle Boars with a quote from Larry the Cable Guy... Battle Boars, let's 'get-er done,'" said Cook.

• Date Taken: 12.10.2009
• Date Posted: 12.29.2009 09:28
• Story ID: 43239
• Location: KIRKUK, IQ