Courtesy Photo | The 130th Engineer Brigade Commander Col. Faibian E. Mendoza Jr., (left), and Command...... read more read more
By Pfc. Jennifer L. Montagna
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ – The 130th Engineer Brigade, from Schofeild Barracks, Hawaii, cased their colors in a ceremony, May 29, on Contingency Operating Site Marez. The ceremony signified the end of the 130th Eng. Bde.'s, tour of duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The 130th Eng. Bde., fell under the control of the 25th Infantry Division, out of Schofield Barracks when they began their deployment at COS Marez in June 2009, and completed their service under the 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart, Ga.
During their tour, the 130th Eng. Bde., ensured mobility of travel through route clearance, and embedded Soldiers with Iraqi security forces to create an essential partnership for training; and partnered with the Government of Iraq for the reconstruction of the Ninewa province.
The Ninewa Reconstruction Cell, of the 130th Eng. Bde., focused on long lasting projects that positively affected the people of the Ninewa province, including more than $24 million worth of projects that focused on areas of clean water and electricity distribution.
"You all should be proud of the enduring, positive legacy you've left here in Iraq," said Brig. Gen. Tom Vandal, the Task Force Marne Deputy Commanding General Support, at the ceremony.
"You've helped to start restoring Mosul to the greatness that it once was."
Key leaders in the Iraqi army also attended the ceremony to express their appreciation and gratitude to the 130th Eng. Bde.
"Thank you for giving us the chance to say goodbye to our friends, the 130th Eng. Bde. We will never forget the 130th and all they've done, and I'm sure every honorable citizen in the Ninewa province will not forget you and your efforts to bring the electricity and water to them. I hope you all return home safe and then next time you come to Iraq it is as a civilian with your families to visit," said the 2nd Iraqi Army Division commander, while presenting Col. Fabian E. Mendoza, the 130th Eng. Bde. commander a plaque in gratitude and thanks.
Mendoza addressed his unit with humble words.
"I'm overwhelmed with pride for your accomplishments. It's amazing what you've done in a year. Our pride lies in being a small aspect in this partnership with the Iraqi Army brigades. Our partnership with the Iraqi Army Field Engineer Regiments is something I respect and am so thankful to be a part of - stay focused and God Speed," he said.
Following the ceremony, the 130th and their guest mingled and shared stories of the past year together while saying their goodbyes and reminiscing about their year spent in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
| Date Taken: | 05.29.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 05.31.2010 06:57 |
| Story ID: | 50578 |
| Location: | CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ, IQ |
| Web Views: | 348 |
| Downloads: | 193 |
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