Vol. 71, No. 27 July 12, 2013 Regional Command South 4th Inf. Div. assumes authority Story and photo by Sgt. Ashley Bell 102nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — The 4th Infantry Division officially assumed command of Regional Command (South) during a transition of authority ceremony Monday at Kandahar Airfield. After completing a 12-month tour in Southern Afghanistan, Maj. Gen. Robert “Abe” Abrams, 3rd Infantry Division commanding general, officially handed over command to Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, commanding general, 4th Inf. Div. Several of Afghanistan’s top U.S. military and Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera, second from left, 4th Afghan officials attended the ceremony, including Gen. Soldiers, as he applauded ISAF and ANSF forces Infantry Division commanding general and incoming Joseph F. Dunford Jr., the International Security for a job well done in Afghanistan, especially those Regional Command (South) commanding general, and Assistance Force and United States Forces-Afghanistan who gave their lives to this cause. 3rd Infantry Division Command Sgt. Maj. Edd Watson, commander; Lt. Gen. Mark A. Milley, commander of “It brings me great pride and honor to stand outgoing command sergeant major, uncase the the ISAF Joint Command; and Afghan Army Maj. among this amassed group of incredibly brave leaders, Combined Joint Task Force-4 colors during a transfer of Gen. Abdul Hamid, 205th Corps commander. who are fully invested in the security and governance authority ceremony at Kandahar Airfield, Monday. The ceremony began with the arrival of the of Afghanistan,” said Abrams. “I am sincerely official party, followed by the playing of the NATO humbled by the sacrifice extended in both blood and Hymn and The Islamic treasure from all those this righteous fight; and we pray for their Families. I Republic of Afghanistan represented here today as hold you all in the highest regard and will never f and United States “We will continue to members of the coalition orget the generosity and hospitality to us during our of America national and the ANSF. time here; Rock of the Marne.” anthems by the 3rd build on the relationship “We are wrapping The incoming commander, LaCamera, gave his Infantry Division Band. up the 11th round of remarks to coalition forces as commander of RC(S). Milley praised our former (Regional this 12-round fight and “It’s humbling to be in front of this group of Abrams, Command Sgt. the ANSF of RC(S) warriors and the proud people of Afghanistan,” said Maj. Edd Watson and Command [South]) have proven their ability LaCamera. “It is also good to be back in Afghanistan their troops on an to lead and conduct among Afghan and coalition friends ... it is a incredible job done in independent operations relationship that has helped to shape and define me as one of the most dan- commanders have built.” for this 12th and final a military leader and a citizen of my own country.” gerous and volatile — Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera round,” said Abrams. LaCamera talked about his outlook on regions of Afghanistan. “There is a Pashtun Afghanistan’s future and extended his gratitude to He said their dedication and determination have proverb that says if you have jumped across a stream Abrams, his division and the ANSF forces. helped to make the future brighter for all Afghans. once, the next jump becomes easier.” “For every night there is a day that follows. The “Not only have the Soldiers of RC(S) defended Abrams also talked about how bittersweet his country now sees the light; this year is better than last the Afghan people, they have also enabled the departure from RC(S) has become. He said he had year and better than the year before that ... as General Afghan people to defend themselves through confidence that the 4th Inf. Div. is well prepared to Hamid says,” said LaCamera. “The terrorist are scram- the Afghan National Security Forces,” said Milley. take over operations. bling and the Afghan National Security Forces are truly “It is the growing confidence, competence and “Paul LaCamera is a warrior, a proven leader an example of our division motto ‘Steadfast and Loyal.’ capabilities of the ANSF that will allow the people and a friend of Afghanistan,” said Abrams. “He and “We will continue to build on the relationship of Afghanistan to live their lives without fear; and his team prepared well for the mission. our former RC commanders have built,” he said. all of you here today have helped to make that dream “We will never forget the heroes, ISAF and “We will continue to provide support for training, a reality.” Abrams gave his final remarks to RC(S) ANSF, who gave their lives in this noble endeavor, development and operations.” Message board INSIDEINSIDE ASAP survey Fort Carson community members have until midnight July 18 to provide input to help improve the Army Substance Abuse Program. The community needs assessment survey is at https://www.surveymonkey. com/s/2013(underscore)ASAP (underscore)survey. Pages 18-19 Page 6 Page 14 2 MOUNTAINEER — July 12, 2013 MOUNTAINEER WLC honors Commanding General: Maj. Gen. Paul J. LaCamera Garrison Commander: Col. David L. Grosso Warrior Ethos a guideline for a true Soldier Fort Carson Public Affairs Officer: Commentary by Spc. Andrea G. Meyer become a Soldier, you take an oath to defend the American Dee McNutt 1st Special Troops Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade way of life and the American people. American Soldiers Chief, Print and Web Communications: Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division are willing to sacrifice whatever it takes to defend that Rick Emert freedom, even if that means sacrificing their lives. Editor: Devin Fisher The Warrior Ethos is the four basic sentences every I will never accept defeat. Defeat means failure, and Soldier knows and the highlight of the Soldier’s Creed. It is American Soldiers are not failures. We all have our reasons Staff writer: Andrea Stone not just something we said in Basic Training every morning, for becoming Soldiers, whether that is Family, patriotic Happenings: Nel Lampe but it serves as a guideline for what it takes to be a true pride, or wanting to become a member of a team much Soldier set forth by those who have served before us, the ones larger than ourselves. Those are what keep us going. Those Sports writer: Walt Johnson who gave their lives so that you and I could be here today. See WLC on Page 4 Layout/graphics: Jeanne Mazerall I will always place the mission first. When you This commercial enterprise newspaper is an authorized publication for members of the Department of Defense. Contents of the Mountaineer are not necessarily the official Top WLC graduates view of, or endorsed by, the U.S. Government or the Department of the Army. Printed circulation is 12,000 copies. Sgt. Steven A. Abercrombie, 2nd Bn., 77th FA Reg. The editorial content of the Spc. 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