Red Bulls assume Wolverine’s AO

PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 34th Infantry Division, assumed responsibility for full-spectrum operations in eastern Afghanistan from the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team during a transfer-of-authority ceremony at Bagram Airfield Dec. 4.

The ceremony marked the departure of Task Force Wolverine of the Vermont National Guard and begins the rotation of Task Force Red Bulls of the Iowa National Guard in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Soldiers were joined by U.S. Army Maj. Gen. John F. Campbell, commander of Combined Joint Task Force-101 and Regional Command-East, and distinguished visitors from Afghanistan including Gov. Adbul Salangi from Parwan. Also in attendance was Maj. Gen Abdual Rahimi Jalil from the Operational Coordination Center–Provincial, Parwan, and the commanders of the 1st Brigade, 201st Corps, Afghan National Army and the Parwan police district.

Campbell commented on the achievements and challenges TF Wolverine faced during its rotation. TF Wolverine worked with various Provincial Reconstruction Teams and Agribusiness Development Teams, coalition task forces and other enablers to build governance, improve the infrastructure and both train security forces and work with them to secure their area of operation. Their mission improved the quality of life for the Afghan people and the safety and security of the country.

“All of these successes were designed to build the capacity and capability of the Afghan National Security Forces and the local government so they could meet the basic needs of the Afghan people,” Campbell said. “By creating the most secure provinces in Regional Command-East, TF Wolverine poised the leadership of these provinces for success.”

Campbell wished TF Wolverine a safe trip home and welcomed TF Red Bulls to Afghanistan, stating his confidence in their ability build on the successes TF Wolverine had while here.

“I have seen many of the TF Red Bulls soldiers in my battlefield circulation and I can tell you first hand that they are well disciplined and well-trained,” said Campbell. “I am confident standing here today that TF Red Bulls is exactly the right unit to continue the mission and the successes TF Wolverine carried on.”

U.S. Army Col. William Roy, TF Wolverine commander, headquartered in Williston, Vt., addressed his counterpart U.S. Army Col. Benjamin J. Corell, a Strawberry Point, Iowa, native and TF Red Bulls commander. Roy stated his hope for TF Red Bulls to continue their mission of assisting the Afghan government in developing their capability and capacity to support the Afghan people.

“It is truly an honor to turn this mission over to you and your team,” Roy said. “We have done all we can in the time we have had. But there is still much left to be done. I can think of no finer brigade to turn this mission over to than the mighty Red Bulls. We wish you the best of luck and Godspeed in the days ahead.”

Corell spoke to the Soldiers about his expectations of the mission ahead and the importance of working together with the Afghans and other coalition forces to build a brighter future for the Afghan people and improve the quality for all Afghan citizens.

“TF Red Bulls, we start a new chapter in the history of this historic Red Bull division,” said Corell. “As we take over the full weight of this mission, we know we can count on our coalition partners and Afghan brothers to help us meet our common goal ... Together, this team will continue the work of TF Wolverine and build on the successes that they have had.”