CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - Kosovo Force, a NATO peace support organization entering its 17th year, opened a new chapter in its history books March 10th, as National Guard Soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, out of Washington, Pennsylvania, became the 21st U.S. rotation in Kosovo during a ceremony on Camp Bondsteel.
"The Soldiers of the 'Iron' Brigade and our multinational partners are ready to face any challenge, emergency or situation that is presented to us and will support the institutions of Kosovo as requested," said U.S. Army Col. Ros Gammon, commander of the 2IBCT, 28ID.
Gammon takes over from Col. Vernon Simpson and the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, who served nine months in Kosovo supporting peace.
Before relinquishing command, Simpson addressed his multinational team and the people of Kosovo while reflecting on his time in Kosovo.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as your commander," Simpson said. "The past nine months have been among the most rewarding and exciting of my life. Kosovo is a beautiful place with a rich culture and welcoming citizens. I am extremely proud to have watched our 'Old Hickory' Soldiers grow alongside their multinational partners."
Following Simpson's speech, KFOR Commander, Maj. Gen. Guglielmo Miglietta took a moment to echo the successes of the 30th ABCT.
"Today as one unit replaces another it is an opportunity to go over the accomplishments of the Soldiers who spent the last nine months ensuring the safety and security for the people of Kosovo," Miglietta said. "Today is a very special moment for both the leaving and then incoming commander. It is not easy to summarize in few words the tremendous job done by Colonel Simpson and his men and women during this assignment. The unit, under his command, established strong partnership with the valued institutions of Kosovo and the international community. Advances made possible by your unit's dedication and loyalty to the mission."
Miglietta also took a moment to welcome Col. Ros Gammon and thank the KFOR 21 rotation for their future efforts.
"I am confident that you will lead the Multinational Battle Group-East in the same outstanding manner," he said. "No commander can fulfill his duties without well motivated Soldiers. While I am not able to list all the achievements of each and every Soldier let me assure you that I value the efforts of every one of your Soldiers. I am proud to see multiple nations standing together, shoulder to shoulder, contributing to the success of the mission."
Over the next nine months Gammon and his team will be responsible for providing a safe and secure environment and freedom of movement for the people of Kosovo.
"We have seen time and time again that the institutions of Kosovo have been able to face every challenge that they have been presented and they have performed admirably," Gammon said. "For us to be successful we would like this to continue and provide training assistance to these institutions when asked to further increase their already outstanding capabilities."
To be truly successful and to accomplish this mission, the U.S. Soldiers will partner with members from the Armenian, German, Hungarian, Polish, Romanian, Slovenian, and Turkish armed forces.
Although it may sound like a challenging feat, Gammon said he is confident his team is ready for the challenge.
"I am honored to be surrounded by such an outstanding team and look forward to increasing our capabilities over the next nine months," added Gammon.
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