Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers Deploy to the Middle East

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig | Several of the 30 Soldiers from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 213th Personnel Company, 728th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, 213th Regional Support Group greet friends, family and colleagues who attended their deployment ceremony Dec. 7 at Fort Indiantown Gap. Departure ceremonies are held to honor the courage needed both by those who serve, and the families, friends and employers who support them. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Zane Craig)  

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA, UNITED STATES

12.07.2019

Story by Staff Sgt. Zane Craig 

Joint Force Headquarters - Pennsylvania National Guard

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - Approximately 30 Soldiers from the Pennsylvania Army National Guard’s 213th Personnel Company, 728th Combat Support Sustainment Battalion, 213th Regional Support Group were honored in a deployment ceremony here Dec. 7.

The unit will divide into three detachments in support of Operations Enduring Freedom, Freedom Sentinel, and Inherent Resolve. These operations are designed to maintain a U.S. military presence throughout the Middle East.

“We are proud of how hard you have trained for this deployment to join and support your fellow soldiers currently serving overseas,” said Maj. Gen. Anthony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general. “All of Pennsylvania is thankful to you and your families for the sacrifice you are making to help keep America free and safe. You can be rest assured that we will look after your families while you are deployed, and that we already look forward to your safe return home.”

The 213th Personnel Company, headquartered at Fort Indiantown Gap, will provide human resources assistance to other service members who support all three operations. Following the holidays, the unit will spend a short time at a stateside mobilization site before assuming their 10-month mission overseas.

“As members of the Adjutant General’s Corps, you will manage the Army’s top priority and our most important resource: people,” said Lt. Col. Nichole Gousie, 728th CSSB commander. “You are responsible for the readiness, health and welfare of all soldiers.”

Departure ceremonies are held to honor the courage needed both by those who serve, and the families, friends and employers who support them.

“To me this ceremony is a morale boost because it shows the leadership cares,” said Spc. Keith Lavelle, a human resource specialist for whom this will be his first deployment.

Founded in 1747, the PNG is the second largest National Guard in the nation and is comprised of more than 18,000 Soldiers and Airmen, who reside in every county across the commonwealth and are always ready to support the warfight abroad and respond to disasters at home.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Lt. Col. Keith Hickox [phone], or e-mail [e-mail]

• Date Taken: 12.07.2019
• Date Posted: 12.07.2019 16:59
• Story ID: 354654
• Location: FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PENNSYLVANIA, US