CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo -- The transfer of authority ceremony for Multinational Task Force East took place at Camp Bondsteel, December 6.
U.S. Army Brigadier General Douglas B. Earhart assumed command from Army Brigadier General Darren G. Owens during a ceremony presided over by Commander Kosovo Forces Lieutenant General Roland Kather.
General Kather praised the actions of task force during its time in Kosovo. He said that MNTF E always sent a clear message to those who would threaten the safe and secure environment and that KFOR was willing and determined to respond immediately to any kind of violence - and that people got the message. Soldiers of 29th Infantry Division also replaced those from the 36th Infantry Division. Brig. Gen.
Owens tasked the soldiers with carrying on the relationships built by their predecessors with the Kosovo citizens. They were asked to be part of this time of hope, a time where people can hope for a better future for all the citizens of Kosovo.
The 29th Division joins soldiers from Greece, Armenia, Romania, Poland, Ukraine and Lithuania in their mission to secure the MNTF E area of responsibility. Brig. Gen. Earhart purposed that the 29th Division’s patch could serve as a symbol of hope to the people of Kosovo.
“It represents the blue and the gray – the north and south – two cultures with divergent perspectives and beliefs. There was a time when it seemed these two groups would never settle their differences, but these people now work together toward a common good in the United States.” For best video experience, fast broadband internet connection and good quality speakers or headphones are recommended. If you cannot see video, you may need to install the latest macromedia flash player plugin that you can get free from www.macromedia.com or www.adobe.com
