'DRAGOONS' OF 2ND STRYKER CAVALRY REGIMENT RAISE THEIR COLORS OVER BAGHDAD

CAMP LIBERTY, BAGHDAD, Iraq -- V Corps' 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment

officially accepted their mission here from the 3rd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 2nd

Infantry Division, during a ceremony here Sept. 13.

With the ceremony the 2nd takes over the quick

reaction force mission for the Iraqi capital.

"Our mission is going to be to bring the fight to

the enemy all across Baghdad, wherever we're

needed, at a moment's notice," said Col. John

RisCassi, the 2nd SCR commander.

The casing of the 3rd's colors marked the

completion of the transfer of authority, in an

event that also including a reading of the

histories of the 2nd "Dragoons" and 3rd

"Arrowhead" and the raising of the 2nd's flag to

the top of the camp's flagpole.

Under the "Dragoons" red and white banner, the

departing commander, Col. Steve Townsend of

the 3rd SCR, addressed those in attendance.

Townsend described the event, which was not

an official transition of authority.

"Thank you for coming to what I am told is not

a TOA ceremony, but a simple casing of the

colors ceremony," explained the "Arrowhead"

commander. "Clearly, the war is not over.

We're just doing a battle handover. We're

handing off a baton to our relief, the next relay in this race, this marathon."

Townsend said he is proud of the contributions, accomplishments and achievements of

his own Soldiers during their "interesting and busy" 15 months here, but that it felt good

to pass the mission to the 2nd. Handing the mission off to the Vilseck, Germany-based

"Dragoons" is the best-case scenario, he said.

"(The Soldiers of the 2nd SCR will) advance this cause farther down the field --

hopefully to the finish line," the colonel said. "I couldn't think of a better organization to

hand off to than our Stryker brothers. God bless you all. Good luck, God speed and good

hunting in your mission here."

Now the "Dragoons" will take their turn contributing 15 months toward the global war on

terrorism, said RisCassi.

"You've made your mark in history and damn well earned it," the colonel told the

departing troops. "The 'Dragoons' are honored to be the Soldiers who allow you to return

home to your families. It's time to go home."

"I have no doubt we've trained and prepared to assume authority and take over the

tremendous responsibility from the 'Arrowhead' brigade and make our mark in the fight

against terrorism."