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Transfer of Authority Ceremony

After a ceremonial "transfer of authority" on 28 January, 2005, the 194th Engineer Brigade (TA), Tennessee Army National Guard, Jackson, Tennessee, took over missions and responsibilities of assisting in rebuilding southern Iraq as a part of the Multi-National Coalition Force, Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06. Turning over duties were members and staff of the 115th Engineer Group (CBT), Utah Army National Guard, Draper, Utah.

The ceremony was opened with a benediction given by MAJ Joel Miller, Chaplain for the 115th and a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem performed on tape by the Dyersburg High School Choir, Dyersburg, Tennessee.

Signifying the "transfer of authority" between the two engineer commands, Colonel Ed Willis, Commander of the 115th Engineer Group (CBT) and Command Sergeant Major Sidney Cardon, Command Sergeant Major of 115th cased the guidon of the outgoing command after which, Brigadier General Jimmy Welch, Commander of the 194th Engineer Brigade (TA) and Command Sergeant Major Ronald Jones, Command Sergeant Major of the 194th, unfurled the guidon of the incoming command.

Acknowledging the 115th’s release and welcoming the 194th to Iraq, Colonel Willis reflected on some of the hardships his unit had to face. He stated, "From the start our mission was unclear, we had very little training and no equipment to speak of. However, we set out to justify the mission of construction engineers." According to Colonel Willis, the 115th also acquired specialized missions because "they seemed right". Colonel Willis was also very grateful and appreciative of the Iraqi Highway Patrol for their help and guidance in bringing mission success and success to the Iraqi people.

Brigadier General Welch embellished on the fact that the 115th Engineer Group set a very high standard for the 194th Engineer Brigade to meet, but the "194th is the best in the state of Tennessee and will continue to set the highest of military standards". Brigadier General Welch also thanked the staff and soldiers of 115th "for a smooth transition to fill their shoes". He closed by asking the 115th members to "thank each of their family members for supporting them during their time away".

Before closing, Major Ali, of the Iraqi Highway Patrol, and members of his staff presented Colonel Willis with a special dedication and parting gifts.

Other guests present were Colonel Mark Yenter, Commander of the 20th Engineer Brigade and Command Sergeant Major Charles Williams, Command Sergeant Major of the 20th Engineer Brigade.

The ceremony was closed with the playing of The Army Song and the raising of the Tennessee State flag.

Brigadier General Jimmy Welch (left), Commander of the 194th Engineer Brigade (TA), Jackson, Tennessee and Colonel Edward Willis (right) Commander of the 115th Engineer Group (CBT), Draper, Utah exchange handshakes after the transfer of authority ceremony between the two commands in southern Iraq.

Brigadier General Jimmy Welch (right), Commander of the 194th Engineer Brigade (TA), Jackson, Tennessee and Command Sergeant Major Ronald Jones (left), Command Sergeant Major of the 194th unfurl the brigade colors to commemorate the beginning of command operations in Iraq.

Brigadier General Jimmy Welch (center), Commander of the 194th Engineer Brigade (TA) chats with Colonel Mark Yenter (left), Commander of the 20th Engineer Brigade and Colonel Edward Willis (right), Commander of the 115th Engineer Group (CBT) following the transfer of authority ceremony between the 194th and the 115th.

Sergeant Major Mike Barnes hoisted the Tennessee State flag, Madison County flag, Jackson City flag and the University of Tennessee flag on 28 January, 2005, following a transfer of authority ceremony between the 115th Engineer Group (CBT), Utah Army National Guard, Draper, Utah and the 194th Engineer Brigade (TA), Tennessee Army National Guard, Jackson, Tennessee now in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom 04-06.

Story and photos by SFC Pete Quinton, S-5/PAO,
194th Engineer Brigade (TA)
Tennessee Army National Guard
Tallil, AB, Iraq