BAGRAM, Afghanistan - In a ceremony ripe with military tradition, 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment of the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Iowa National Guard's 34th Infantry Division, provided relief in place to 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment of the Vermont National Guard's 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team during a transfer of authority hand-off here Nov. 30.
The units, also known as Task Force Red Horse and TF Morgan respectively, trained together for the past few weeks preparing Task Force Red Horse Soldiers for the missions that lie ahead of them. Task Force Red Horse assumes responsibility of Bagram Airfield and Parwan Province security.
“You have much to be proud of,” said U.S Army Col. Will F. Roy, TF Wolverine commander, addressing TF Morgan Soldiers. “Whether it was building bridges, both figuratively and literally, as well conducting combined operations with the ANSF... what you have done has truly made a difference here.”
Throughout their deployment, TF Morgan accomplished many missions and reacted to numerous insurgent attacks, including the insurgent attack launched on Bagram Airfield May 19 where 16 insurgents were killed and five other detained.
“For Task Force Red Horse, I wish you the very best at your mission,” said Roy. “Never forget, we are guests here, and our ultimate goal is to leave Afghanistan better than we found it.”
“Task Force Red Horse mobilized with this mission in mind,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. David A. Updegraff, TF Red Horse commander. “I believe that we are currently ready to take this mission and use the success that Task Force Morgan has shown as a spring board to further the coalition goals in Parwan and the BAF security zone.”
The Iowa National Guard Soldiers will pick where the Vermont National Guard Soldiers left off in Parwan Province by working with and assisting Afghans to better the communities and provide security in the TF Red Horse area of operations.