Photo By Brad Rhen | Soldiers from 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat Team...... read more read more
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PHILADELPHIA -- More than 200 Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 104th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Brigade Combat team, 28th Infantry Division, departed June 15 for a deployment to the Middle East.
The Soldiers, who will serve as multi-national force observers in the Middle East, were applauded and honored during a deployment ceremony on June 14 at their readiness center in Philadelphia.
“On behalf of the leaders and Soldiers of the 1-104th Cavalry Regiment, thank you for joining us in commemorating the departure for the upcoming deployment in support of the multinational force observers,” said 1st Lt. Brandon Onkay, master of ceremony for the 1-104th Cav. deployment ceremony. “This ceremony is designed to publicly recognize our Army National Guard Soldiers and families for their selfless service and dedication to duty for the mission that they are about to embark upon in defense of our great nation.”
The deployment ceremony was attended by senior officers and noncommissioned officers of the Pennsylvania National Guard, along with friends and family of the Soldiers from the 1-104th Cav.
“It is incredible to see this level of support for our fine Soldiers, thank you for coming out and supporting your troops and please continue to do so throughout,” said Col. Reece Lutz, commander of the 2nd IBCT.
Leading up to ceremony, the Soldiers from the 1-104th Cav. conducted training and preparation to make sure the Soldiers and their families were prepared for the deployment
“I cannot tell you how proud we are that you’re members of 2nd Brigade, and how much of an honor it is to be here today before you head out onto your next great adventure,” said Lutz. “You have worked exceptionally hard to get to this point. If your effort and dedication during your pre-deployment activities is any indication of how you will perform on your deployment, I have no doubts that you will be extremely successful.”
The multinational force observers are designed to maintain a U.S. military posture in the Centcom area of operations, said Onkay. It is a mission that the unit has been training for and getting prepared for more than 10 months.
“Today is a milestone, a milestone for the mobilization,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Potts, commander of the 1-104 Cav. “When I look back, I am extremely proud of the work that we have done over the last 10 months, and I look forward to accomplishing the mission as I stand here today.”
The Soldiers departed from Harrisburg International Airport on June 15, bound for Fort Bliss, Texas, where they will undergo pre-deployment training prior to heading to the Middle East.
“I want to thank the families who continue to support the Soldiers here today,” Potts said at the ceremony. “Without your continued support for each and everyone of us, there would be no way we would be as ready as we are today. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone one of you. Thank you for all you have done, and the support that you have given your Soldier.”
| Date Taken: | 06.14.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 06.17.2021 08:58 |
| Story ID: | 399092 |
| Location: | PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, US |
| Web Views: | 166 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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