by Pfc. Jennifer Smith and Sgt. Ashley Abbott
 

        CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo (Army News Service, Dec. 14) --
Six months into the mission, the faces of Multi-National Brigade
(East) and Task Force Falcon are changing.
        Authority of MNB(E) and Task Force Falcon changed hands
during a ceremony Dec. 12 and the headquarters company
supporting the units within the brigade transitioned Dec. 4 at
Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo.
        Brig. Gen. Craig A. Peterson handed the reigns in Kosovo
over to Brig. Gen. Ricardo S. Sanchez, assistant division
commander, support, 1st Infantry Division.
        Sanchez' first duty as MNB(E) and Task Force Falcon
commander was to address soldiers who represent the United
States, Greece, Jordan, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, the Ukraine,
and the United Arab Emirates about their sacrifice for peace in
the province.
        "First, I must acknowledge the magnificent soldiers who
stand before us," said Sanchez.  "Every nation represented here
must be proud of these men and women for their dedication to
duty and their willingness to sacrifice.  You are splendid
ambassadors for your countries."
        Sanchez next addressed incoming soldiers of 3rd Brigade,
1st ID, telling them that they are well trained and ready to
assume responsibility for the mission. They replaced soldiers
from the division's 2nd Brigade.
        "You have trained hard, you have the situational
awareness, and most importantly, you possess the values, ethics,
leadership and dedication to duty necessary for success in this
complex environment," said Sanchez.  Sanchez thanked Peterson
and KFOR 1A soldiers for their hard work and commitment.
        "Task Force Falcon definitely set the conditions for a
seamless transition and for the continued success of
Multi-National Brigade (East)," Sanchez said.  "May God bless
you as you return to Central Region, and I look forward to your
return visits."
        Peterson also addressed soldiers during the ceremony,
commending soldiers from each nation for their achievements.
        "You look different from each other, dress differently
and speak different languages, but you all came together in
Multi-National Brigade (East) and KFOR," said Peterson.  "You
are all on point for your nations."
        Peterson reminded soldiers of their many
accomplishments.
        "You demonstrate that everyone deserves fair and equal
treatment, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background,"
he said.  "So many different countries doing it right, cannot go
unnoticed by the people of Kosovo."
        "You have made a difference," he said.  "I'm sure the
experience has made a difference in each of you also."
        Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Brigade, 1st
Infantry Division, took the reigns from HHC, 2nd Bde., 1st ID,
Dec. 4.
        The transition went smoothly, even though HHC is
adjusting to a new environment, said Capt. Chris Durham, HHC
commander.
        "I don't think anyone was shocked," he said.  "Everyone
who came was ready."
        An estimated 75 percent of the HHC soldiers are on their
first deployment, said 1st Sgt. Randy Cornelius, HHC, 3rd Bde.
        "The soldiers are doing well and working hard," he said.
Authority was also transferred from Task Force Falcon 1st
Battalion, 7th Field Artillery Regiment to TF 1st BN, 6th Field
Artillery Reg.; TF 9th Combat Engineer BN to TF 82nd Combat
Support Engineer BN; and from TF 2nd BN, 1st Aviation Reg. to TF
1st BN, 1st Aviation Reg.
        (Editor's note: Pfc. Jennifer Smith and Sgt. Ashley
Abbott are staff members of Task Force Falcon PAO.)