Photo By Master Sgt. Mark Bell | Col. Megan P. Tatu, commander of the 164th Corps Support Group, takes time to step...... read more read more
by Amanda Solitario
210th MPAD
LSA ANACONDA, Iraq - With their colors unveiled, Col. Megan P. Tatu and the 164th Corps Support Group accepted the reigns from their predecessors, the 40th CSG, during a transfer of authority ceremony on Sept. 2.
"The fact that the width and breadth of your smiles these past 10 days has equaled those of the Soldiers going home has been great to see and speaks volumes," said Tatu, the 164th CSG commander.
The unit, headquartered in Mesa, Ariz., is responsible for pushing fuel, water, and other supplies to the American Forces all over Iraq while providing security for the shipment of those commodities. In addition, the unit conducts vehicle recovery missions around the country.
"We are honored to have been asked to answer our nation's call and we look forward to serving," Tatu said.
The 164th CSG, an Army Reserve unit from the 63rd Regional Readiness Command, spent the past three months tirelessly preparing for their tour in Iraq.
"I know you will carry this spirit of teamwork and pride throughout the year," she said about the residual energy in her unit.
From the weeks at their home station in Arizona to the months at Fort Bliss, Texas, Tatu said the mission-ready unit is finally relieved to be in place.
Tatu expressed her gratitude to Col. Jannett Jackson, 40th CSG commander, and to the unit for setting the groundwork for a successful deployment.
"We would like to thank you for setting the conditions for a smooth transition," she said. "Your staff has been forthcoming in their information and has encouraged open dialogue with their TOA partners."
As the 40th CSG departs the logistical support area, they leave with their heads held high on a job well done, Jackson said.
Traveling more than 3 million miles to more than 40 bases in Iraq, the 40th CSG was the supply link between Anaconda and the forward operating bases throughout the theater.
Jackson told the Soldiers to be proud of their accomplishments, and that people back home are very appreciative. She shared a personal letter about one such man in Ohio to make her point.
"Norm is one of those everyday characters you pass by in the mall or who sits next to you in church," she said, reading from the letter.
This man sits outside an Ohio bank everyday—rain or shine, with patriotic music blaring, and his American flag flapping in the wind, Jackson said. All he wants to do his show his support for the troops and encourages others to do the same.
Jackson addressed both the incoming and outgoing Soldiers and said to know that what they do here is important.
With the 40th CSG colors cased, Tatu said goodbye to Jackson and her unit.
"It is time we wish you all Godspeed and a joyous reunion with your families, who too have sacrificed just as much as those of us who wear the uniform," she said.
| Date Taken: | 09.02.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 09.15.2006 09:08 |
| Story ID: | 7734 |
| Location: | BALAD, IQ |
| Web Views: | 272 |
| Downloads: | 33 |
This work, Arizona's 164th takes logistics mission from Missouri's 40th CSG, by SPC Amanda Solitario, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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