Photo By Sgt. Daniela Lechuga | U.S. Army Col. Chad P. Corrigan, the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade, 1st Infantry...... read more read more
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FORT RILEY, Kansas — The 1st Infantry Division conducted a combined casing and uncasing ceremony for the 1st Combat Aviation Brigade and 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, respectively, at Cavalry Parade Field on Fort Riley, Kansas, Oct. 4, 2023.
U.S. Soldiers, senior leaders, distinguished guests, friends and family of the Big Red One attended the ceremony to welcome back 2nd ABCT, “Dagger” Brigade, from their nine-month rotation. Simultaneously, the division prepared to send off 1st CAB, “Demon” Brigade, for their rotation to Europe.
An uncasing and casing ceremony is a reflection of customs practiced since the birth of the Army in 1775. In the past, unit flags, also known as the colors, served as a rallying point for Soldiers during the smoke and fog of battle to assist Soldiers in finding the center of the battle lines and the commander. Today, the colors continue to be a symbol of the unit and the commander, and accompany the command wherever they go, whether deployed or in garrison.
During 2nd ABCT’s rotation throughout Eastern Europe, they trained and operated in conjunction with NATO allies and partners in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. Their return marked the first time that the entire division was together since 2021. But with the return of the brigade, came the departure of another.
2nd ABCT uncased their flag, which signified the completion of their mission in Europe and their resumption of responsibilities at Fort Riley. 1st CAB cased their flag in preparation for the journey to the European theater, where it will once again serve as the tip of the spear and rally point from which the Demon Brigade will conduct their mission in Europe.
Following the casing of the colors, U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John V. Meyer III, the 1st Inf. Div. and Fort Riley commanding general, gave a speech expressing the division’s support to allies in Europe.
“Standing in front of us, you see the division colors, and for a brief moment on that field was the first time that all of the colors in this division at Fort Riley were present and uncased on the parade field since the beginning of 2021,” Meyer said. “And it's the last time they’ll be uncased for the foreseeable future, as the United States Army continues their commitment and our commitment to the freedom of Europe, our allies and the alliance.”
Meyer welcomed back the Dagger Brigade and spoke about the difference that 1st CAB will make while they are away, representing the division and the United States.
“For the family members of the Dagger Brigade, I know you’re all happy that your Soldiers are home and we're pleased to have everybody back,” Meyer said. “For the Soldiers in the Demon Brigade who are getting ready to deploy, our country needs you in Europe and you will make a difference. Your presence on the continent of Europe shows our country's commitment to our allies and it makes a difference every single day.”
Col. Bryan M. Harris, the 2nd ABCT commander, shared insight on what the brigade did in Europe during their rotation and expressed his pride following the brigade’s accomplishments.
“Like countless Dagger Soldiers who stepped forward to put tyranny in check, these Dagger Soldiers did the same” Harris said. “The Soldiers standing before you, their allies and partners know what they have accomplished. We demonstrated to the world and our allies what a ready, resilient and lethal armored brigade combat team is capable of in a combined arms operation.”
On behalf of the brigade, Harris thanked friends and families for their support during the Dagger rotation, and wished the Demon Brigade a successful rotation.
“To the families and community, thank you,” Harris said. “We can never repay the sacrifices you gave for freedom. The countless late night calls, packages, letters and photos reminded everyone of us what we were defending. To the Demon Brigade, safe travels and Godspeed.”
Col. Chad P. Corrigan, the 1st CAB commander, spoke about the last time the brigade was in Europe and the training they conducted leading into the next rotation.
“The CAB came home December 2021 from the last rotation,” Corrigan said. “In the last 22 months the Soldiers and NCOs worked hard, doing very realistic training to be combat ready, really a lot of work on the maintenance side to make sure all the aircrafts are ready to go.”
Corrigan looked to his Soldiers and the crowd, and said the brigade is prepared to go back and give their support.
“They’re ready, and we’re looking forward to going over there to support the mission of Operation Atlantic Resolve,” Corrigan said. “We’re ready to add another chapter in the long history of this historic division, and are proud to follow the footsteps of our recently deployed teammates from the second brigade and division headquarters.”
Corrigan thanked the Flint Hills community, families and friends for their support and care.
“No one serves alone,” Corrigan said. “I know goodbyes are never easy, but your love and support makes us stronger. No mission too difficult. No sacrifice too great. Duty first, above the first.”
The 1st Inf. Div. remains steadfast and ready to support the United States’ commitment to NATO allies and partners in Europe. The Demon Brigade will be in Europe for nine months as part of a regular rotation of forces in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve. They are expected to return in July 2024.
| Date Taken: | 10.04.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 11.06.2023 11:26 |
| Story ID: | 457143 |
| Location: | FORT RILEY, KANSAS, US |
| Web Views: | 169 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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