Photo By Spc. Sammy Rosado | Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Jacobs (center) cases the colors of the 201st...... read more read more
SAN ANTONIO -- The 201st Military Intelligence Battalion cased its colors Sept. 6 as its members prepare to deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The casing of the colors represents the movement of the unit’s mission to a new theater of operations. The ceremony took place at the Fort Sam Houston Youth Activity Center.
Guest of honor was Col. Pierre Gervais, commander of the 470th Military Intelligence Brigade. Also in attendance were other distinguished guests along with family, friends and fellow soldiers.
In his address, Gervais thanked everyone for joining him in acknowledging “the professionalism, commitment, and selfless service” of the approximately 140 deploying soldiers and to recognize their impending deployment.
Gervais also highlighted portions of a speech delivered by Gen. Douglas MacArthur to the corps of cadets at the United States Military Academy on May 12, 1962, that underscored the dedication and professionalism of the 201st’s soldiers.
In February 2010, the 201st deployed to Afghanistan to conduct interrogation and debriefing operations.
For the upcoming deployment, the battalion will conduct a similar mission in support of U.S. Forces Afghanistan and the International Security Assistance Force.
Lt. Col. Joseph Barber, battalion commander, recognized the sacrifice and commitment of the “Black Knights” and their families.
“Today marks a very sober, yet very noble, moment in our battalion,” Barber said. “The best and brightest of our young men and women are embarking on a mission in Afghanistan.
“The past 18 months have prepared us well for the mission at hand, as we will deploy into a relatively remote and austere environment, figure out the various tribal dynamics and terror networks, navigate through the different NATO/Coalition command and control relationships and support structures, and execute to the best of our abilities,” he added.
“Before any deployment, casing the colors is a bittersweet occasion, where we prepare to leave our homes and loved ones,” Barber continued. “But [we] also look forward to showing what this great team is capable of and to getting on with the mission we have worked so hard and long to prepare for.”
Barber and Battalion Command Sgt. Maj. Earl Jacobs shared the honor of furling and casing the colors.
| Date Taken: | 09.20.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.24.2012 14:06 |
| Story ID: | 95209 |
| Location: | SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 378 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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