PARWAN PROVINCE, Afghanistan - More than a decade has passed and U.S. forces continue to leave their mark in Afghanistan, but for one unit, their mark is making history of their own.
The 2nd "Black Jack" Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas uncased its colors for the first time in Afghanistan, marking the start of a historical moment for the unit, during Black Jack's uncasing ceremony on Bagram Air Field, Aug. 8, 2013.
More than 80 U.S. Soldiers from varies units were in attendance to observe the start of a brigade historic occasion, what Black Jack commander, Col. Robert Whittle, Jr., describes as "a rendezvous with destiny."
Whittle excalimed throught the brigades history, Black Jack has always been the first unit to enter battle. From WWII where Black Jack led the way into Manila during the liberation of the Philippines to the first of the 1st Cav. Div.'s brigades to arrive in New Orleans following Hurrican Katrina.
Maj. Gen. James Richardson, Deputy Commanding General-Joint Operational Corps Headquarters-Afghanistan and Commander of the U.S. National Support Element Command-Afghanistan, spoke briefly on the brigades historic operational success and encouraged Black Jack Soldiers to use past lessons to build new qualities during this deployment.
"Remember what (Black Jack) has already accomplished in Iraq. Carry those lessons of team work and combat with you," said Richardson. "(Black Jack) team has a noble history and legend that you build on as you prepare to serve our nation in battle yet again."
Whittle said although the brigade's current mission, cover and enable the Interational Security Assistance Force - Afghanistan retrograde, differs from those of past deployments, Black Jack's is an equally important task that his team will complete.
"(Black Jack's) task is to asisst in finishing the fight, ensure our Afghan allies who are out front, have partnership and support to win," said Whittle. "We will simultaneously pave the way to bring our Soldiers and our Nation's treasure home."
Whittle explained brigade's operation and assistance has already begun, with Black Jack battalions providing artillery support, reserve missions, convoy and route security, all while logistcally supporting brigade elements throughout two regional commands and twelve forward operating bases.
He states such success comes from the support Black Jack receives from other U.S. Forces such as the ISAF Joint Commands, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Ky., 1st Cav. Div. and the U.S. Air Force 455th Air Expeditionary Wing, BAF, but most importantly, highly trained Soldiers, added Whittle.
"Black Jack soldiers are trained, disciplined and agile, who can exercise sound judgement and understand the strategic affect of their tactical actions," said Whittle.
As the brigade sets off on to finish the deployment successfully, Richardson said "I am completely confident that (Black Jack) will succeed in your mission. I can't think of a better unit to send forward during these times than the Black Jack Brigade."
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