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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jan 5, 2009 - 8:24:33 PM |
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Blackanthem Military News
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| The color guard of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in place as the departure ceremony begins on Cottrell Parade Field at Fort Stewart, Ga., March 1. Photo by Spc. William E. Henry. |
FORT STEWART, GA. - Approximately 3,000 Indiana National Guard Soldiers were honored during a final departure ceremony held at Fort Stewart, Ga., March 1.
The 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team received a final farewell at Cottrell Parade Field before it departs to the Middle East to begin its mission supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
A bright, warm, day complimented cheering crowds of loved ones as they lined the perimeter of the parade field to catch a glimpse of their Soldiers standing in formation during the ceremony.
Some onlookers such as Steve Knapp were once in the same position as the Soldiers who graced the parade field that day.
Knapp, a Vietnam veteran from the highly decorated Indiana Army National Guard, D Company, 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment Rangers, was watching for his son-in-law, 1st Lt. Jacob Weis, with the 113th Support Battalion, in the mass of moving soldiers.
He had mentioned his time in the service and how important it is to serve our country.
"It's something some have to go through throughout their life. I think they are better equipped for a different kind of war from when I was in.
"I think this sendoff is great, it's good for them to know they're supported. People support the troops nowadays and I think it's great."
Many distinguished speakers came to show their support for the troops of the 76th IBCT.
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels; The Adjutant General of Indiana, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger; U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff General Richard Cody; and Commander of the First Army Division East, Maj. Gen. Jay Hood, were in proud unison when it came to speaking of how prepared the Soldiers were.
Daniels spoke of his family ties with the 3rd Infantry Division from Fort Stewart. His grandfather and uncle served in the ranks of the Division.
He thanked the Fort Stewart staff and leaders for their hospitality and revered the Soldiers of the 76th for their hard work.
He mentioned his call to jury duty just days before and how many did not even show up for just one day. He said he told those there that did show up about the Soldiers in the Indiana National Guard that volunteer and sacrifice so much for their freedom.
Maj. Gen. Umbarger expressed his deepest honor of leading the Indiana National Guard and being able to be part of the same organization as they were.
"I am so very proud and very privileged to be able to stand in your ranks," he added.
Seemingly, the most geared up about the Brigade's readiness was its commander, Col. Courtney Carr.
He spoke highly of the training they'd endured and the mission ahead of them, all stemming from their willingness to volunteer their time, effort, and even their lives for our great country.
Carr said that when it came time to deploying, "Nighthawks dropped their plows, grabbed their muskets and joined the ranks of their fellow Hoosiers."
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS:
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| During the March 1 departure ceremony for the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, Adjutant General of the Indiana National Guard, gives thumbs up to members of the 1st Battalion, 151st Infantry, headquartered in Jasper, Ind., as they pass in review. Leading the unit are Lt. Col. Ron Westfall, commander, with staff. The reviewing party also included Maj. Gen. Jay Hood, commander, 1st Army East; Governor Mitch Daniels of Indiana; and Col. George Gezcy, commander, 188th Training Support Brigade. |
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| Indiana National Guard Cpl. Jared Grillo, of Fort Wayne, holds his son, Cadin, prior to the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team's departure ceremony, Saturday, March 1, 2008 at Fort Stewart, Ga. Grillo is a truck commander with Company B, 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment, headquartered in Fort Wayne. The 76th, one of the largest National Guard units in the state, is deploying to southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It represents the largest single deployment of an Indiana National Guard unit since World War II. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry, Indiana National Guard |
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| Indiana National Guard Spc. Nicholas Conrad of Fort Wayne, gives a high-five to Evan Diefanbacher, the son of Conrad's high school friend Jamie Stetler, left, Saturday, March 1, 2008. Conrad is an infantryman with Company C, 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry Regiment headquartered in Fort Wayne. The unit is part of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team which held its departure ceremony at Fort Stewart, Ga. The brigade's Soldiers had trained there since January and is deploying to southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It represents the largest single deployment of an Indiana National Guard unit since World War II. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry, Indiana National Guard |
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