By Captain Jason A. Craft
2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment

CAMP VIRGINIA, Kuwait – The soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, Florida Army National Guard, based in Orlando, Fla., remain steadfast in their mission. They provide command and control, and maintenance support to subordinate units tasked with securing convoys of supplies moving back and forth between Kuwait and Iraq.

The company mobilized Jan. 2 and began a short train-up period at Fort Hood, Texas. Immediately following, they deployed to the deserts of Southwest Asia under Operation Iraqi Freedom. As of Sept. 1, they now support Operation New Dawn. Their mission has remained unchanged.

For most of the soldiers assigned to HHC, this is their first deployment, and their first time away from the safety and comforts of home. The young soldiers are lead by a very competent, veteran staff of non-commissioned officers and officers alike. These leaders served in operations such as Desert Storm, Kosovo, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. This experience has greatly contributed to their overall success. As an example, the unit recently received the Unit Safety Award from their higher headquarters for contributions to the safety program and not having any accidents.

Since the January activation, HHC has promoted 17 soldiers: Lt. Col. John Dethlefs, Capt. Brian Bailey, Capt. Lee Mathews, Capt. David Partridge, 1st Lt. Robert Wilson, Sgt. 1st Class Karl Souffront, Staff Sgt. Edgar Jusino, Staff Sgt. Mark Miner, Sgt. Wyman Daniels, Spc. Jacqueice Alexander, Spc. Raymonte Blakeney Jr., Spc. Michael Colt, Spc. Kimberly Egipciaco, Spc. Brian Gomez, Spc. Eddie Massey, Spc. Xavier Melendez, Spc. Mileah Mikula, Spc. Felicita O’Donnell, Spc. Luis Rivera-Riesta, Spc. Jorge Valcarcel.

HHC has also been blessed with one marriage and three births since January. More than 100 soldiers from HHC, 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment mobilized in January for the year-long mission.

For more information on this unit contact the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team Public Affairs Officer MAJ Sandra Doberstein at Sandra.j.doberstein@kuwait.swa.army.mil