Families and Friends of the 1-151FA

Hello from sunny and still windy Kuwait!  The 1st Battalion 151st Field Artillery completed the Transfer of Authority (TOA) with the 1st Squadron 299th Cavalry on 08 August, 2009. I encourage friends and families to look up the story entitled “Units say “aloha” in transfer of Authority” that was featured in the August 11th issue of The Red Bull Report (www.theredbulls.org) or recently featured on the Minnesota National Guard website (www.minnesotanationalguard.org). We were honored to have BG Lang, CSM Julin, members of the 34th ID Band, and many former members of the 1-151FA fly down from Basra to attend the ceremony.  This military tradition formally transferred the mission of theatre convoy security to your Soldiers and the 1-151FA has assumed that role with professionalism and honor. I gave a short speech during the ceremony and have been asked to share it with you.
TOA SPEECH : 1-299TH CAV (HIARNG) TO 1-151FA (MNARNG)
Delivered by LTC Scott A. St. Sauver
Commander – 1st Battalion 151st Field Artillery - 08 August, 2009
BG Lang, CSM Julin, COL Olivera, CSM Coranado, COL Knowlton, CSM Franklin, Friends and Redlegs of the 34ID, Commanders and CSMs
Thank You for attending this TOA Ceremony
1st to the Soldiers and leaders of Task Force KOA (Warriors)
MAHALO!! (Thank You)
For your professionalism
For your dedication to mission
For your comprehensive training delivered to our Soldiers
For sharing the critical TTPs ensuring our safety and security
For ensuring our Soldiers understand the changing environment and challenges as we launch from Kuwait – even now as we hold this event and Soldiers of this battalion are headed towards Mosul and every point between
Bur most for the new friendships – how surfing and island life mixed with ice fishing and farming was truly an act of fate
So a new chapter begins
To the Soldiers and leaders of the 1st Battalion 151st Field Artillery
Take what you have learned and apply it
Continue to adapt to the dynamics of our mission and the changes occurring daily in Iraq
But first and foremost take care of each other
As I have said from Day 1 – You are your brothers and sisters keeper!!
The 1st Squadron 299th Cavalry Regiment has set the standard
We are the 1st Battalion 151st Field Artillery so take the lessons and do what we do best – Advance that Standard!!
From all of your cold weather brothers and sisters from the great state of Minnesota
ALOHA A HUI HOU!! (Until we meet again)
EN AVANT!! (Ever Onward)

So indeed a new chapter begins for the Soldiers and Leaders of the 1-151FA. As of today the battalion has successfully completed 67 convoy security missions in Iraq from Basra in the south to Mosul in the north. Your Soldiers have driven a total of 47, 475 miles safely and efficiently protecting much needed supplies and equipment for ongoing operations in Iraq. As always, we thank you for your continued service and support of your Soldiers and the entire 1-151 Field Artillery Battalion.

All the Best – EN AVANT!!
CSM Arne and LTC  SSS

1-151FA Task Force “Nordic Thunder”