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    Leesburg-based Army National Guard Unit continues mission in Support of Operation New Dawn

    CAMP VIRGINIA, KUWAIT

    10.12.2010

    Courtesy Story

    53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team

    Story by: 1st Lt. Elliott Brunner

    CAMP VIRGINIA, Kuwait – The soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment, Florida Army National Guard, based in Leesburg, Fla., remain strong in their mission, known as the Gateway Mission, to escort Soldiers transitioning through Kuwait on their way to and from the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility throughout the Middle East.

    Company A mobilized on 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.

    During the deployment, Company A soldiers have played a huge part in the battalion’s history by assisting in the self-retrograde the 4/2 Styker brigade combat team from Iraq. The company has a tracked number over 11,423 escort missions and over 700,000 miles driven. On top of their hard work and unwavering dedication, soldiers still managed to complete over 230 college credits.

    Always vigilant, Company A continues to stay focused while continuing their Gateway missions, and they will remain so until they safely return to home station.

    For most of the soldiers this is their first deployment, and first time away from Family and friends. The young soldiers are lead by a very competent, veteran staff of Non-Commissioned Officers and Officers. 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.

    Since their activation, Company A has promoted 40 Soldiers: Capt. Ryan Swinford, Pfc. Jennifer Thornton, Pfc. Gilberto Hernandez, Pfc.Thomas Kelley, Pfc. Sean Gelis, Pfc. Ean Brown, Pfc. David Cobb, Pfc. Giavonni Colon, Pfc. Ryan Poli, Spc. Marlissa Perry, Spc. Mellisa Wilson, Spc. Nicholas Sansalone, Spc. Eric Alapont, Spc. Taylor Baum, Spc. Corey Galli, Spc. Jeremy Johnson, Spc. Thomas Kelley, Spc. Paul Mancuso, Spc. Scott Medley, Spc. John Monson, Spc. Miguel Pereira, Spc. Wesely South, Spc. Ryan Stull, Spc. Micheal Thomas, Spc. Jennifer Thornton, Spc. Donald Vincent, Spc. Brandon Walton, Spc. Kevin Walton, Spc. Cedric Williams, Spc. Mark Wilson, Sgt. Austin Azzarelli, Sgt. David Mayorga, Sgt. Gary Sands, Sgt. Matthew Garland, Staff Sgt. Mark Lickliter Staff Sgt. Jorlyn Autie, Staff Sgt. John Hunt, Staff Sgt. Nicholas Majors, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Shepherd. Company A has also been blessed with two marriages and three births since January. All told, over 130 soldiers from Company A, 2nd Battalion, 124th Infantry Regiment mobilized in January for the year-long mission.

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

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 10.12.2010
    Date Posted: 10.12.2010 01:34
    Story ID: 57911
    Location: CAMP VIRGINIA, KW

    Web Views: 295
    Downloads: 5

    PUBLIC DOMAIN