Col. Donald R. West and Command Sgt. Maj. Iteago L. Felton, command team of 44th Med Bde, based out of Fort Bragg, N.C., cased their unit's colors marking the end of their 12-month tour.
"Today we leave Task Force MED-Afghanistan in the capable hands of Col. McVeigh and Soldiers of the 1st Medical Brigade. As the incoming commander, Col. McVeigh, his command comes during a challenging time in this war as we continue to balance the provision of excellent medical care of our war fighters while simultaneously working to reduce troop strength in Afghanistan. I am confident that they will continue the great work already begun, and work diligently to finish the task at hand," said West.
Maj. Gen. William E. Rapp, the U.S. Forces - Afghanistan deputy commander for support, was in attendance as the guest speaker.
Col. Bruce W. McVeigh and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael J. Mullaney, command team of 1st Med Bde, based out of Fort Hood, Texas, unfurled their colors marking the official transfer of authority to the Soldiers of the "Silver Knight" Brigade.
"Command Sgt. Maj. Mullaney and Col. McVeigh, you're the new standard bearer for force health protection within this IJOA. Your team will build upon the impressive accomplishments of your predecessors, and you're going to continue to strengthen the bond between the coalition medical community and the war fighter; between the coalition and our partners and I challenge you increase the capacity within the Afghan medical community so that the Afghan National Security Forces, the Afghan National Army and National Police have the finest medical care possible." said Rapp during his remarks.
TF MED-A provides world class quality joint combat health service support and force health protection to the combined team conducting combat and stability shaping operations, supporting efforts to further develop Afghan National Security Forces medical capability and providing medical support to DFIP operations.
"I can assure you that we are ready and will execute our assigned mission as Task Force MED-Afghanistan with the same dedication and professionalism that all the previous brigades have done the past few years," said McVeigh.
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