Germany-based units case colors for one-year Afghanistan tour (2nd tour)

After a too-short year at home in Germany, V Corps’ aviation warriors are headed back to combat.

The units that will make up Task Force Griffin cased their colors in front of more than 200 spectators Thursday at Giebelstadt, wrapping up a year of unwinding from one war and preparing for the next.

Over the next few weeks, they will deploy to Afghanistan to lend air support to the Vicenza, Italy-based Southern European Task Force, which will lead the security mission there for the next year.

“We’re returning to the fight. We’re deploying to ensure the people of Afghanistan their peace and security,” said Col. Mark McKearn, commander of the Giebelstadt-based 12th Aviation Brigade. “You are a battle-tested force, with the memories of Iraq fresh in your minds.”

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“It’s really hard. The current pace of deployment — it’s too much,” said Staff Sgt. Tim Holgado, 32, of the 7-159 Aviation.

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=27552


Get used to the pace, SGT. This is what the rest of your career will look like.