Blood Support Detachments transfer of authority in Afghanistan

By Capt Addie Snay (III Corps)March 16, 2012

Beginning of mission in Afghanistan
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan -- A ceremony was held on March 15 at Craig Joint Theater Hospital's Warrior Way to commemorate the transfer of authority from 4224th Blood Support Detachment to 440th Blood Support Detachment based out of Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

While relatively small in terms of numbers of soldiers assigned the Blood Support Detachment Units play an immensely important role in the ability of Task Force MED-Afghanistan to perform its primary mission and that is to save lives.

"Without the capabilities that these magnificent warriors bring to theater the management, storage, and distribution of blood products across the entire Combined Joint Operations Area -- Afghanistan the unprecedented survival rates of wounded coalition soldiers would never be possible," said Lt. Col. John Staley, the executive officer for TF MED-A, in attendance as the guest speaker.

The ceremony offered a chance for the 4224th BSD's commander to give praise for a job well done.

"It has been an honor and a pleasure to have served the past year as the commander of these fine soldiers and outstanding non-commissioned officers standing before you. Each soldier's contributions will be felt long after our departure." said Capt. Rodrick Clayton, commander of the 4224th BSD.

Rodrick and Detachment 1st Sgt. David Albaugh cased their unit's guidon and it will remain cased as the unit travels back to its home station in Des Moines, Iowa.

Capt. Clayton and Master Sgt Albaugh, your soldiers have performed magnificently. Thank you for your tireless devotion to the mission and to the welfare of your troops," said Staley.

Company Commander Maj. Jose Quesada and Detachment 1st Sgt. John Barry, both natives of San Antonio, Texas, uncased their unit's guidon symbolizing the beginning of its mission of providing blood support to the Afghan Theater of Operations in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

"The Soldiers of the 440th Blood Support have been working very hard to ensure they are prepared for this mission. I am so thankful for their skills and I know that together we will accomplish the mission of providing blood and blood component support to the Afghanistan theater so the wounded can get the gift of life," said Quesada.

"Maj. Quesada, your mission will be both challenging and rewarding. We are truly honored to have you on the team and look forward to your future contributions in support of the wounded war fighter." Staley said.