CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait - The 36th Sustainment Brigade, Texas National Guard, completed its duties at Camp Arifjan and handed over responsibilities to the 369th Sustainment Brigade, New York National Guard, Nov. 3.
The transfer of authority ceremony signified the end of the duties of Task Force Phoenix, commanded by Col. Carrie Perez, and the assumption of those duties by Task Force Hellfighter, commanded by Col. Seth Morgulas.
Brig. Gen. Thomas Vickers, commander of the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, conducted the ceremony.
Vickers thanked the 36th SB for their efforts and hard work that set the standard for logistics and support operations in the CENTCOM area of responsibility. He welcomed the 369th SB by encouraging the brigade to push the boundaries of what is possible and to leave a better trail for those who will follow.
Members of the 36th distinguished themselves during their time in theater by executing multifunctional sustainment operations throughout the CENTCOM area of responsibility, supporting the Spartan Shield, Inherent Resolve and Freedom Sentinel operations.
The 36th signaled their transfer of authority by rolling their flags, known as the colors, and placing them in their cases. In succession, their subordinate units – the 36th Special Troops Battalion, Headquarters and Headquarters Company 36th Sustainment Brigade, and the 3631st Signal Company – did the same.
Perez said the ceremony was bittersweet because National Guard units go home and the Soldiers go their separate ways.
“We have built an amazing sustainment community that collaborates for the best results, always,” she said. “Being a part of this truly phenomenal team has been a privilege and an honor to our supportive battalion commands and units.”
Perez thanked the Kuwaiti partners for sharing their time, culture and friendship. She also thanked all strategic partners, the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, 1st Theater Sustainment Command and the subordinate units’ Soldiers.
“The men and women of the 36th Sustainment Brigade performed exceptionally well over the past 10 months and over the past two years. Job very well done,” said Perez. “Phenomenal.”
After the 36th cased their colors, the 369th uncased theirs, followed by their subordinate units – the 369th STB, HHC 369th SB and the 187th SC.
Morgulas said it was a pleasure working alongside the 36th since touching base about 18 months ago.
“I feel like you’re our long-lost cousins from Texas, and it’s been a pleasure working with you,” he said. “You’re clearly a world-class organization, and it’s a privilege to follow in your footsteps.”