804th Medical Brigade assumes command of Task Force Med

The 804th Medical Brigade became the 10th command medical unit for United States Forces -

Iraq during a transfer-of-authority ceremony with Task Force 807th Medical Command, at the Al Faw Palace on Camp Victory, Mar. 4.

After more than eight years since their last deployment in Kuwait, supporting Operation Iraqi

Freedom, the 804th Med. Bde. once again put its boots in the sand to provide medical support for service members deployed in Iraq.

The unit, based out of Fort Devens, Mass., assumed command and control of the 24 medical units

from the 807th.

As the new medical command, 804th will continue the three-part medical mission in Iraq: saving lives, keeping the force healthy and maximizing the return on each of our service members.

During the ceremony, the importance of the medical brigade's mission was emphasized by Maj. Gen. Edward Cardon, deputy commanding general for support, USF-I and keynote speaker for the ceremony.

Task Force - Med provides the basis of the medical capability in Iraq, he said. "Every member of USF-I is within one hour of resuscitative care - what we term as 'expeditionary medical

capability' is the envy of many countries around the world."

"Joining USF-I in the most critical period in this history, you will oversee the many significant medical support transitions during the historic withdrawal of forces from Iraq," Cordon said to the incoming medical brigade. "This task, while daunting, will be handled with ease under the tremendous leadership of Col. Jim Snyder."

"The days and weeks ahead will no doubt bring many challenges and also will bring many opportunities of rewarding moments as you and your team continue to care for the larger USF-I team and set the conditions for the transition to the United States mission Iraq."

Snyder, commander of the 804th Med. Bde., encouraged his Soldiers to support the USF-I mission during Operation New Dawn.

Aca,!A"The time has come that we go to work and meet our mission requirements and serve the medical needs of our Soldiers in theatre,Aca,!A? said Snyder. Aca,!A"The 804th Task Force - Med is ready to support you and the Soldiers in this theatre by providing the most outstanding medical care ever.Aca,!A?

Col. Michael O'Guinn, commander of the 807th Med. Cmd, while providing words of encouragement to the incoming medical brigade, applauded his Soldiers for a job well done.

"You and your team deployed with the aggressive attitude and professional skills necessary to ensure success of this task force through the end of this operation," said O'Guinn.

"During this past year of your life, you executed five significant achievements I believe set you apart from every other medical task force to date. You skillfully succeeded in these unique missions while carrying on the day-to-day missions required to manage this task force," said O'Guinn to his departing unit. "Through the lens of these accomplishments and your every day mission successes - I do indeed hope you had the time of your life."

"The 807th has without a doubt set the standard. The legacy of Task Force 804th Med will be to execute all missions in a seamless manner while maintaining flexibility," Snyder said. "Our brigade has greatly benefited from our predecessors. Their efforts and hard work has made this transition a smooth process."

The ceremony concluded with Snyder and Command Sgt. Maj. Stephen Maldonado, command sergeant major, 804th Med. Bde., uncasing their colors and marking the official start of day-to-day operations in Iraq.

Soldiers in theatre," said Snyder. "The 804th Task Force - Med