VAZIANI TRAINING BASE, Georgia -- Immediate Response 2008, a joint training exercise between U.S. service members and the Georgian Ministry of Defense, opened with a ceremony July 15.
The ceremony had key speakers, a joint-service multi-national color guard, a blessing of the Georgian troops and representatives from every unit in attendance.
Some of the speakers for the event included Brig. Gen. William B. Garrett III, U.S. Army Airborne Commander, South European Task Force, Lt. Col. Hosay Page Shavalle, deputy chief of defense, Georgian Armed Forces and Lt. Col. Craig Triscari, Task Force Lion chief of staff.
The ceremony began with the posting of the colors by a joint color guard which consisted of two Marines, three U.S. soldiers and two members of the Georgian Armed Forces holding the flags at the same height to symbolize the countries working together.
“This exercise’s purpose is to increase cooperation and partnership and has been planned for many years,” said Garrett, “We are honored to be here, and the Georgians have an excellent reputation.”
A Georgian Greek Orthodox priest was in attendance at the ceremony to bless the Georgian troops with holy water before their venture into the field.
Company L, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, U.S. Army’s Southern European Task Force, elements of the National Guard and the Georgian Ministry of Defense are participating in the exercise.