KABUL, AFGHANISTAN (12/18/2008)(readMedia)-- The NY National Guard's 27^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) dedicated a marble plaque on Saturday in Patriot Square at Camp Phoenix in Kabul where it has served since last April in command of Combined Joint Task Force Phoenix (CJTF-Phoenix) VII.

The National Guard's 372^nd birthday on 13 December framed the occasion as the outgoing 27^th and the incoming 33^rd IBCT prepare to hold the official Transfer of Authority on December 19.

"I can't think of a better way for us to mark the birthday of our service than for two historic commands to meet at an important crossroads while serving the nation from a combat zone," said COL Brian K. Balfe, commander of CJTF-Phoenix VII and the 27^th IBCT during a short program inside the Camp Phoenix dining facility following the unveiling of the marble plaque.

"Today we mark the 372nd birthday of America's National Guard from the opposite side of the world while performing the kind of duty that has always been our hallmark," he said. "Through our efforts, our example, and our service we are helping to build a nation and the National Guard has been doing exactly that for almost four centuries, when you think about it."

"Citizen Soldiers have always defended and then helped build our nation to what it is today. During war, we have always fought from the front and when hostilities have ended we helped support the peace and contribute to reconstruction," he added. "We have always seen ourselves as patriots, liberators and servants - never as conquerors or aggressors."

The program also featured the unveiling of a memorial inside the dining facility as a tribute to the service members who fell in during CJTF-Phoenix VII, including eight members of the New York Army National Guard.

The production and installation of both the plaque and the memorial were overseen by Command Sgt. Maj. David Piwowarski but the design and finishing work came from several volunteers including Col. Mike Leonardo, Sgt. 1st Class Michael Sirles, Staff Sgt. Anthony Lechanski, Spc. Ray Ramirez, and Staff Sgt. Linda Nosbisch.

The marble was obtained locally but the computer-generated designs were etched in using a laser engraving machine on base. Nosbisch later hand-painted the Orion patch and the phoenix on the commemorative plaque mounted in Patriot Square.

"We should all remember this Guard birthday because we are celebrating it here in Afghanistan, together, and in fulfillment of everything the Guard has and continues to stand for," concluded Col. Balfe. "I am a Citizen Soldier and am proud to say it."

Photo cutlines provided below:

081213-A-1917F-0002 Command Sgt. Maj. David Piwowarski is assisted by Staff Sgt. Linda Nosbisch in unveiling the CJTF-Phoenix VII plaque in Patriot Square on the National Guard's 372^nd birthday last Saturday evening, 13 December. Both are from Lancaster, NY. Colonel Brian K. Balfe, the task force commander and Spec. Ray Ramirez from Saratoga Springs, who helped design it, stand next to Staff Sgt. Nosbisch as Captains Juan Bravo from New York City and Joel Abelove from the Capital District use their cameras and Sgt. Mike Heron from Syracuse watches. Photo by Lt. Col. Tim Franklin (released.)

081213-A-8098O-5731 Standing before the unveiled CJTF-Phoenix VII memorial From the left are Command Sgt. Maj. David Piwowarski from Lancaster, Maj. Dennis Bates from Rochester, Col. Mike Leonardo from Syracuse, Sgt. 1^st Class Michael Sirles from Oneida, Spec. Ray Ramirez from Saratoga Springs and Staff Sgt. Anthony Lechanski from Syracuse who were part of the committee which designed, produced and supervised the installation of the tribute to the fallen. 43 names are listed including 21 Soldiers, 19 Marines and 3 Sailors. Photo by Maj. Kathy Oliver (released.)

081214-A-2444F-0096 The CJTF-Phoenix VII plaque on display in Patriot Square, Camp Phoenix, Kabul. Photo by Lt. Col. Paul Fanning (released.)

Posted Thursday December 18, 2008 at 01:17 pm by New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
Last Updated Thursday August 26, 2010 at 09:25 am