RCT-6 takes control of Camp Ramadi

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Story by Cpl. Ryan Turnage
CAMP RAMADI, Iraq – United States Army National Guard soldiers of Headquarters Company, 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team, out of Washington state, said farewell to Camp Ramadi, Iraq, after a ceremonial transfer of authority to Regimental Combat Team 6, July 13, 2009.  
    Through a windy haze of Ramadi sand, Col. Matthew A. Lopez, commanding officer of Regimental Combat Team 6, took command of Iraqi-owned Camp Ramadi from U.S. Army Col. Ronald Kapral, commanding officer of 81st HBCT after they retired their colors.
The soldiers of the 81st HBCT occupied and maintained the camp for nearly nine months, working hand-in-hand with Marines and sailors to support the Iraqi Security Forces.  While the two combat teams co-inhabited Camp Ramadi, they conducted joint operations in an attempt to establish a more stable environment throughout eastern Al Anbar province.  
“I could not have asked for a better relationship between the 81st and RCT-6,” said Lopez.
As U.S. forces continued the responsible drawdown, 81st HBCT, along with RCT-6, remained focused on providing support for civil-military operations, such as organizing and funding the rehabilitation of water treatment facilities and aiding Iraqi contractors in the reconstruction of schools.
The 81st HBCT was also witness to a significant drop in violence while in command.
    “This past week, we have seen the lowest level of violence in eastern Al Anbar province,” said Maj. Gen. R. T. Tryon, commanding general of Multi National Force – West Iraq.  “The 81st HBCT played a big part in the increased security throughout this area.”  
    Each soldier performs different professions as a civilian and enjoys everyday comforts of home, but when called to duty they didn’t complain or question, said Kapral. Although the 81st HBCT will be departing Iraq shortly, their hard work and dedication to duty has left RCT-6 with the proper tools to complete the ongoing effort to  further professionalize Iraq’s security forces.