'Dragoons' unfurl colors in Baghdad

Multi-National Force - Iraq ^ | Spc. L.B. Edgar

[SandRat]

Soldiers of 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment (SCR), prepare to raise the regimental flag over the headquarters during a transfer of authority event on Camp Liberty, Sept. 8. The 2nd SCR out of Vilseck, Germany, relieved the Arrowhead Brigade, 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, out of Fort Lewis, Wash. Photo by Spc. Leith Edgar, 7th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.

CAMP LIBERTY — The 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment (SCR) “Dragoons” replaced the 3rd “Arrowhead” Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division as the quick-reaction force for the Iraqi capital Sept. 13, allowing the Arrowhead Soldiers to return home to Fort Lewis, Wash., after more than 15 months of combat.

A casing of the colors event marked the completion of the transfer of authority at the headquarters building of 2nd SCR at this western Baghdad base camp.

Following the national anthem and a prayer, the histories of each unit were recited as the Arrowhead colors came down and the Dragoons’ rose to the top of the flagpole.

Under the red and white of the Dragoons’ flag, the outgoing brigade commander, Col. Steve Townsend, addressed those in attendance, including the distinguished guest, Command Sgt. Maj. Philip Johndrow, the senior non-commissioned officer for Multi-National Division-Baghdad and the 1st Cavalry Division.

Townsend described the event, which was not an official transition of authority.

“Thank you for coming to what I am told is not a TOA (Transfer of Authority) ceremony, but a simple casing of the colors ceremony,” explained the Arrowhead commander. “Clearly, the war is not over. We’re just doing a battle hand over. We’re handing off a baton to our relief, the next relay in this race, this marathon. It feels good to hand off to who we’re handing off to.”

Townsend said he was proud of his Soldiers’ contributions, accomplishments and achievements over the previous 15 months, describing the year plus as interesting and busy.

The Arrowhead Brigade conducted missions across Iraq, including Rabiyah, Tal Afar, Baghdad, Diwiniya, Najaf, Karbala, Baquba, Usafiyah and Mahmudiyah.

According to Townsend, handing the mission off to the Dragoons, from Vilseck, Germany, was the best-case scenario.

“They’ll advance this cause farther down the field. Hopefully, to the finish line,” said the native of Griffin, Ga. “I couldn’t think of a better organization to hand off to than our Stryker brothers. God bless you all. Good luck, Godspeed and good hunting in your mission here. God bless the Arrowhead Brigade. God bless the Cav.”

Now it’s the Dragoons’ turn to contribute 15 months toward the Global War on Terrorism, said the 2nd SCR commander, Col. John RiCassi.

“You’ve made your mark in history and damn well earned it. The Dragoons are honored to be the Soldiers who allow you to return home to your families. It’s time to go home,” said the native of Virginia. “I have the utmost confidence we’ll be up to the task and accomplish the mission. One day too, we’ll go home to our home, Vilseck, Germany.”

True to their motto, “Toujours Pret,” which is French for “Always Ready,” the Dragoons are looking forward to the challenging mission ahead.

I have no doubt we’ve trained and prepared to assume authority and take over the tremendous responsibility from the Arrowhead Brigade and make our mark in the fight against terrorism,” RiCassi said. “Our mission is going to be to bring the fight to the enemy all across Baghdad, wherever we’re needed, at a moment’s notice.”

[SandRat]

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