Courtesy Photo | "By wearing the patch, you are continuing to live on the historical traditions. You...... read more read more
By Spc. Tiffany Bloxom
CAMP CROPPER, Iraq - Soldiers from the 105th Military Police Battalion, a unit from the North Carolina Army National Guard, were presented with the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade shoulder-sleeve insignia recognizing their wartime service during Operation Iraqi Freedom 10 in a ceremony June 1 at Camp Cropper, Iraq.
Lt. Col. Warren Wintrode, 105th Commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Alpheus Haswell, the battalion’s command sergeant major, presented Headquarters and Headquarters Company Commander Capt. Sy Rice and 1st Sgt. Mark Kephart with the combat patch.
“By wearing the patch, you are continuing to live on the historical traditions. You continue to live its rich heritage of strength and the character of its nation,” said Haswell, as he described the history behind the 130th MEB Patch.
The patch, which has been worn by soldiers since 1974, is oval-shaped with a tower and a construction truss. These symbols represent the brigade’s previous missions.
“Today is a special day in your military career and in your personal lives. I'm honored to be here, serving this mission with you,” he said.
Rice and his first sergeant then presented their soldiers with the combat patches.
“This patch symbolizes that you've been deployed,” Rice said. “You now have the experience to go forward and do great things.”
Rice is in charge of handling the logistics and support staff of the Cropper Theater Internment Facility. His company is comprised of approximately 150 soldiers. The other companies provide the guard force at the TIF.
The 105th has a very important mission by overseeing the care and custody of detainees at the Cropper TIF. After the patches were presented, Wintrode addressed the group and said, “Don't ever stop. Don't ever let your vigilance falter. Get your game face on and be prepared to do what I know you are capable of.”
The 105th, a subordinate unit to the 49th MP Brigade Tactical Command Post, is in charge of running the Cropper TIF in Iraq. Upon arrival to Camp Cropper, the responsibilities of the 105th included operational functions for over 3,000 detainees, as well as providing command and control of 11 subordinate companies and over 1,500 soldiers.
In addition to daily operations of running the Cropper TIF, the 105th is directly responsible for the training of over 700 Iraqi Correctional Officers and support staff. By building close relationships with the ICO leadership, including the future facility Warden, the soldiers of the 105th have prepared the ICOs to take on the responsibilities of managing the Cropper TIF as a future Iraqi prison. The TIF is scheduled to be transferred to the Government of Iraq this month.
“It was very professional, heartfelt and something to be proud of,” said Rice at the end of the ceremony.
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 07.17.2010 11:57 |
| Story ID: | 52968 |
| Location: | CAMP CROPPER, IQ |
| Web Views: | 1,368 |
| Downloads: | 338 |
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