'Ironhorse' Brigade Assumes Responsibility for Taji Region

Photo By Sgt. Cheryl Cox | Col. Paul E. Funk II (right), the 1st Brigade Combat Team commander, and Command Sgt. Maj. Stanley D. Small, the 1st Brigade Combat Team command sergeant major, attach the first fastener onto the Brigade Colors during the official Transfer of Authority Ceremony held Dec. 2 outside the IRONHORSE Brigade headquarters building at Camp Taji, Iraq. The IRONHORSE Brigade assumed responsiblity of the Area of Operations from 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Diviision.  

TAJI, IRAQ

12.02.2006

Courtesy Story

1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

by Sgt. Cheryl Cox
1st BCT, 1st Cav. Div. Public Affairs

CAMP TAJI, Iraq – On a cool morning, a mere year-and-a-half after their return to Fort Hood, Texas, the Brigade Colors were once again placed atop of the flag pole as a sign of their assumption of responsibility for the area of operations here.

As the sun rose above the horizon Dec. 2, the 1st 'Ironhorse' Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division officially took command in the Taji region of Iraq with the commencement of the Transfer of Authority ceremony held outside the brigade's headquarters building here.

As the Soldiers of 1st 'Raider' Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division begin their journey home to Fort Hood, Texas, the Ironhorse Soldiers prepare themselves to look into the eyes of the same enemy they were fighting less than two years ago.

"I know the Soldiers are prepared because of their training and close working relationship with the Soldiers of 4th Infantry Division," said Lt. Col. Kevin MacWatters, the 1st Squadron, 7th Cavalry Regiment commander following the transfer of authority ceremony. "Now it is a feeling of responsibility as we take over the area of operation and the multitude of tasks to protect ourselves and the Iraqi population."

During the ceremony, Col. Paul E. Funk II, Ironhorse Brigade commander, quoted former President Theodore Roosevelt saying "It is not the critics that count, but the men in the arena." Adding, "We are now in the arena."

Following the ceremony, Funk and Col. James Pasquarette, the 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division commander, exchanged gifts of appreciation for the assistance and hard work that the Soldiers from each brigade had put into the deployment and transfer of authority missions.

"I want to thank all the Soldiers of both Raider and Ironhorse Brigades," said Pasquarette. "I have a lot of respect for the incoming Soldiers who are already on top of their mission, and have lots of love for the Soldiers of Raider Brigade. You have all taken the mission to heart and done what needs to be done to make it happen."

• Date Taken: 12.02.2006
• Date Posted: 12.04.2006 11:18
• Story ID: 8465
• Location: TAJI, IQ