Leaders, Community Say Thanks to Aviators

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Billie Jo Lorius | Spc. Shane Leingang, of Mandan, shakes hands with Col. Dave Hall during the 2-285th Aviation Regiment Freedom Salute that honored 47 soldiers for their service in Iraq.  

BISMARCK, ND, UNITED STATES

12.05.2010

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

BISMARCK, N.D. - Their service, and that of their families, will never be forgotten. That's the message 47 members of a North Dakota National Guard aviation unit received during an event today thanking them for their service in Iraq.

The Freedom Salute Ceremony honored the soldiers of Company C, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment for their service while expressing gratitude to their families and employers for the support they provided during the yearlong mobilization.

"The soldiers of the 2-285th Aviation Regiment did an outstanding job in service to our state and nation, and we are proud of all they accomplished in Iraq," said Gov. John Hoeven. "We thank them for their distinguished service and for all they did to make this a successful mission. We also thank the families, friends and employers who supported our soldiers and bravely served their country here at home."

Hoeven addressed the Guardsmen and their families during the 12:30 p.m. ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Bismarck, as did other leaders.

"Know that your soldiers accomplished great things on this deployment, not only for the people in Iraq but in developing their own experience," Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, said. "The typical aviator averages 100 to 125 flight hours and the typical crew chief averages 75 to 100 flight hours per year in North Dakota. On average, the flight crews reached 350 to 500 flight hours on this deployment. That's roughly four years worth of experience for a typical pilot, and five years worth for a crew chief. Plus, the maintenance experience gained by the enlisted soldiers on this mobilization will be invaluable."

While in Iraq, the North Dakota soldiers flew more than 6,200 flight hours as they completed more than 750 combat missions transporting senior officials, soldiers, medical supplies and other cargo. Capt. Douglas Larsen, of Granville, N.D., commanded the group while 1st Sgt. Daniel Marquart, of Bismarck, N.D., was the senior enlisted soldier. The company comprises 10 UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, which are split between the North Dakota and Utah National Guard. Within those units are soldiers specializing as pilots, crew chiefs, door gunners, mechanics, fuel supply specialists and flight operations personnel.

More than half of those personnel, 34 to be exact, were first-time deployers who were honored today with a cased flag, Defender of Freedom certificate and medallion and a commemorative coin. Eight soldiers from the group have deployed twice and will receive a Freedom Ring; their spouses were thanked and gifted a clock. One 2-285th soldier, Chief Warrant Officer Jay Knopp, of Bismarck, was on his third deployment while two soldiers - Chief Warrant Officer Nathan Clarys, of Thompson, N.D., and Sgt. Travis Nannenga, of Jamestown, N.D. - were on their fourth. All three received a Freedom Salute brass plaque honoring their volunteerism and service.

During the ceremony, company leadership recognized civilians who contributed to their mission success in Iraq. Among those were the unit's family readiness group leadership, which included Jill Yri and Kim Iverson, group co-leaders, Mary Ann Morford, secretary, and Carol Beechie, treasurer.

Unit members also chose St. Joseph's Church, of Mandan, as the recipient of the Outstanding Center of Influence Award for the support the church members provided during their deployment. Additionally, the soldiers and their families chose to recognize the VFW Post 1326 Ladies Auxiliary with the Distinguished Center of Influence Award in recognition of the numerous care packages the auxiliary sent to the deployed soldiers.

The Freedom Salute Campaign began in December 2003 and quickly became one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history. It was designed to publicly recognize soldiers, and takes place about three months after troops return from a deployment, which allows time for reintegration weekends with their families.

• Date Taken: 12.05.2010
• Date Posted: 12.05.2010 17:18
• Story ID: 61415
• Location: BISMARCK, ND, US