Left: Outgoing 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment commander Col. John RisCassi (center, facing camera) hands the unit colors to U.S. Army Europe commander Gen. Carter Ham, while new 2nd Cav commander Col. James R. Blackburn Jr. prepares to receive them at Grafenwöhr, Germany, on Tuesday. Above: Blackburn, facing camera, takes the unit colors from Ham. (Seth Robson / S&S)
GRAFENWÖHR, Germany — Senior officers who led the 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment on a 15-month mission to Iraq from 2007 to 2008 said goodbye to their soldiers Tuesday at a change of command ceremony here.
The outgoing 2nd Cav commander, Col. John S. RisCassi, handed over the regiment — which comprises more than 3,500 personnel stationed at Vilseck’s Rose Barracks — to Col. James R. Blackburn Jr.
At the same time, the commanders of the regiment’s six squadrons handed over duties to their replacements.
U.S. Army Europe commander Gen. Carter Ham, who handed the regimental colors to Blackburn, told 2nd Cav soldiers, families and community members that the brigade’s leaders did a good job on the recent Iraq mission.
"I see familiar faces from good and bad days in Iraq," he said. "Each commander has led their formation with distinction, bravery and the expected cavalry élan. They led their troops through the fire of 15 hard months of combat."
The change of command represents turning over responsibility for the training, care and welfare of 2nd Cav’s people and equipment, he added, before wishing Blackburn and the other new leaders good luck with future challenges.
RisCassi said the outgoing squadron commanders — who helped relocate the regiment from Fort Lewis, Wash., to Vilseck in 2006 and then led their troops in tough battles against insurgents in Baghdad and Diyala province — were heroes.
"Together we have witnessed firsthand the tragedy of war, but we have also witnessed the bravery and dedication of soldiers. I saw the same thing from these commanders," he said.
RisCassi also praised the support offered by soldiers’ families and friends during his command.
His final words recalled the 25 members of the unit killed in action during the Iraq deployment.
"Lastly, remember our fallen brothers and live our lives in their memory," he said.
