Task Force Diablo completes mission in Iraq

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Cory Grogan | Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment of Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., who are better known as Task Force Diablo, roll up their guidon during a casing ceremony Jan. 11 at Camp Adder, Iraq.  

01.11.2010

Courtesy Story

41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team

By Sgt. Candace Westlund
41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team

Camp Adder, Iraq — Task Force Diablo completes its mission in Iraq.

The morning of Jan. 11 marked the end of the mission for 2nd Battalion, 104th Aviation Regiment of Fort Indiantown Gap, Pa., and better known as Task Force Diablo. The colors of the guidon were cased, and no transfer of authority was completed.

The ceremony marked the end of a successful deployment for the Pennsylvania National Guard General Aviation Support Battalion, commanded by Lt. Col. Scott Perry and Command Sgt. Maj. Dell Christine. The command staff oversaw flight companies with various missions and support elements of fuelers and aircraft maintenance.

Reported 3.1 million pounds of cargo were hauled, over 10,000 flight hours were logged, and more than 50,000 passengers were transported during the eight month tour of duty.

"The reward from being a part of this mission is today," said Headquarters and Headquarters Company 1st Sgt. Craig Madonna, an Elizabethtown, Pa., native. "Part of my responsibility of being in the older generation is making sure these young kids learn how to survive."

For others, like HHC commander Capt. Aaron Lippy of York, Pa., the reward will be seeing their families.

• Date Taken: 01.11.2010
• Date Posted: 01.22.2010 08:42
• Story ID: 44265