Photo By Staff Sgt. Josiah Pugh | Texas Military Forces Adjutant General Maj. Gen. John Nichols hands over command of...... read more read more
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CAMP MABRY, Texas – The 36th Infantry Division celebrated a successful deployment and welcomed a new commander during a ceremony held Saturday at Camp Mabry in Austin.
After three years in command and an historic deployment to Iraq, Maj. Gen. Eddy M. Spurgin handed the division’s colors to newly promoted Maj. Gen. James K. “Red” Brown. Brown served as rear detachment commander for the division headquarters during its deployment, and as the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team commander during a deployment to Iraq in 2005.
“I am proud to stand beside you,” Brown said to his troops. “Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.”
The 36th Div. headquarters is comprised of more than 700 Texas National Guard soldiers. In December 2010 they deployed to Basrah, Iraq, where they provided command and control of approximately 8,000 active-duty troops in support of Operation New Dawn.
The headquarters worked hand-in-hand with Iraqi leadership in an effort to improve the security, safety, stability, and economic viability of Iraq’s nine southern provinces. With the Iraqi Security Forces, the unit conducted 570 tactical operations that resulted in the discovery of 127 weapon caches, the elimination of 200 roadside bombs, and the arrest of 465 suspected terrorists.
“This time in command has certainly flown by quickly,” said Spurgin. “It seems like just yesterday I was sitting where General Brown is sitting now, preparing to take over the reigns of this great division.”
“As commanders, we learn very quickly how bittersweet it can be to let go of a command, especially when they have been blessed, as I have been blessed, with outstanding soldiers and a great staff.”
| Date Taken: | 01.21.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 01.27.2012 11:43 |
| Story ID: | 82930 |
| Location: | CAMP MABRY, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 209 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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