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Mtn. Div. Takes on Partnership Role

By Sgt. Jennie Burrett

2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div., MND-B

Col. Timothy McGuire, of Alamo, Calif., and commander of the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. King Parks, case the 3rd BCT colors during a transfer of partnership ceremony with the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division. The Panther brigade served a 12-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom on the eastern side of Baghdad. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jennie Burrett2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div.)

BAGHDAD - The Soldiers of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division took over partnership responsibilities with Iraqi Security Forces in eastern Baghdad during a transfer of partnership ceremony.

The ceremony at Joint Security Station Loyalty marked the end to the yearlong deployment for Paratroopers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.

"I would like to take a moment to thank…the entire Panther team for the hard work they put in to making our transition a success. Congratulations on all you've accomplished and for everything you have done in setting the foundation for what we will do with our ISF partners." said Col. David M. Miller, of Evanston, Ill., the commander of 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div.

A joint color guard, comprised of U.S. and Iraqi Soldiers, presents the United States and Iraq flags along with the brigade colors for the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division and the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division during the transfer of partnership ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jennie Burrett2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div.)

The Panther brigade served a 12-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and will now return for the holidays to Fort Bragg, N.C.

"The transition of partnership between the Panthers and Commandos with our ISF Partners is a renewal of the friendship and commitment of the American people to the people of east Baghdad and the Mada'in," said Col. Timothy McGuire, of Alamo, Calif., and commander of the 3rd BCT, 82nd Abn. Div. "As my Soldiers and I return to our families, we look forward to telling the story of our Iraqi partners to our fellow Americans."

The mission of Fort Drum, N.Y. based Soldiers is to support the ISF and Government of Iraq to secure the population, defeat the enemy, and further develop their government and economic structures.

Col. David M. Miller (far left), of Evanston, Ill., the commander of 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, and Command Sgt. Maj. Joe Montour, of Amarillo, Texas, salute the colors after they have been uncased; signifying the moment when the responsibility of the mission transferred from 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division to 2nd BCT 10th Mtn Div. during a transfer of partnership ceremony. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jennie Burrett2nd BCT PAO, 10th Mtn. Div.)

"The Commandos of 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. are eager to partner with you [ISF] and support your efforts to provide a bright future for Iraq," said Miller. "We are committed to your vision and the success of your mission."

The 2nd BCT, 10th Mtn. Div. has six subordinate battalions: the 2nd Battalion, 14th Infantry Regiment; 4th Bn., 31st Inf. Regt; 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regt; 2nd Bn., 15th Field Artillery Regt.; 2nd Bde. Special Troops Bn. and 210th Bde. Support Bn.