JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (May 1, 2015) -- After completing 21 days of monitoring and the return from their deployment to West Africa, Soldiers from the 922nd Contracting Battalion uncased their unit colors during a ceremony April 21 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
The ceremony signified the completion of 21 days of monitoring and the battalion's deployment to Liberia and support for Joint Force Command for Operation United Assistance.
"The 21-day monitoring was well-planned and allowed Soldiers to relax, wind down and get their thoughts and emotions in order," said Master Sgt. Keith Joseph, battalion sergeant major for the 922nd CBn. "It also was beneficial conducting mandatory classes that reduced the time for reintegration at Fort Campbell."
During the ceremony, Lt. Col. Robert McDonald, 922nd CBn commander, commented on the significance of the ceremony's location to the battalion.
"Cole Park Commons has become a place of significance for the battalion," McDonald said. "In the battalion's short existence, this is the place we have congregated to celebrate and commemorate our most meaningful events. Last August, in this building, the battalion was activated and I assumed command. Then, two months later the battalion was called upon for an unprecedented mission and on Oct. 9, the colors were cased here. Shortly thereafter, the unit deployed, and we found ourselves on the shores of West Africa."
He continued to congratulate the battalion's Soldiers on their outstanding contributions to the mission and highlighted the historic nature of the mission and its successful outcome.
"I am awestruck by their many accomplishments and the entire contracting community in support of Operation United Assistance. The battalion's contracting efforts played an integral role throughout the entire operation," McDonald said. "I couldn't be more proud of their efforts and sacrifice in pursuit of this most momentous endeavor."
During the span of five months, the 922nd CBn oversaw the procurement of more than 200 contracts, totaling more than $93 million in support for JFC's requirements. Through several contracts, the unit facilitated the repair of an airport runway. It also monitored the administration of the Logistics Civil Augmentation Program task order valued at more than $80 million. This task order provided basic life support for nearly 2,800 Service members and civilians. Additionally, the LOGCAP contractor built six of the 10 DOD-provided Ebola treatment units required across the West African nation.
During this mission, the unit faced the unprecedented challenge of confronting the Ebola virus, a disease that plagued the people in Liberia.
"Now fear is vanquished and hope has returned to Liberia. Its children once again can see the world as a place of wonder and possibility," McDonald said. "How was that possible? Because of these Soldiers standing here before you today."
It has been said, 'The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is that good men do nothing;' I believe this statement is true, but that is not what happened here. Good people acted and joined together to make the world a better place."
McDonald thanked the Soldiers and their families for their sacrifice and reminded them of their dedication to the Army.
"The outstanding results of this mission are a testament to our Army and this unit's overall competence, confidence and capability," he said. "To the Soldiers of the 922nd, I could not be more proud of your efforts and sacrifice in pursuit of this most momentous endeavor."
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