Community wishes guardsmen well on yearlong mission to Kuwait

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, addresses the Guardsmen of the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical) along with their family members, friends, employers and community supporters Aug. 21, at the North Dakota State College of Science’s Blikre Activities Center. “We always talk about the National Guard family, and what we just saw here is another example of that family,” Sprynczynatyk said after introducing four married couples and three sets of brothers who are deploying to Kuwait together. In all, about 160 soldiers from the 188th Engineer Company are deploying for the yearlong mission.  

WAHPETON, ND, UNITED STATES

08.21.2011

Courtesy Story

North Dakota National Guard Public Affairs

WAHPETON, N.D. — Gov. Jack Dalrymple, congressional leaders, mayors and more than 1,000 North Dakota Army National Guard members, families, Patriot Guard members, color guards, employers and community members filled the Blikre Activities Center at Wahpeton’s North Dakota State College of Science Aug. 21. They were gathered to formally send off about 160 soldiers with the 188th Engineer Company (Vertical), which will depart soon for a yearlong mission in Kuwait.

“North Dakota’s National Guard has a proud and successful legacy of service in support of the global war on terrorism,” Dalrymple said. “The soldiers of the 188th Engineer Company are prepared and ready to carry on that noble mission in Kuwait and will serve our state and nation with honor and distinction. Our thoughts and prayers are with these soldiers and their families as they courageously answer our nation’s call to duty.”

The deploying Guardsmen live in 68 different communities across North Dakota and into Minnesota. They are led by Capt. Lucas Klettke, of Perham, Minn., and 1st Sgt. Eric Binstock, of Argusville, N.D.

“Based on all that they have done and continue to accomplish, the 188th Engineers are clearly ready to meet any of tomorrow’s challenges,” said Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general. “Attitude is just as important as abilities when it comes to meeting those challenges, and I’m confident these Guardsmen will maintain their positive, go-getter attitude throughout the mission. They volunteered to support their community and state during the historic 2011 flood and now depart for their federal mission in Kuwait. That is dedication. ”

The next step of the unit’s mission is additional mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas, before leaving for Kuwait. Members of the unit have training as electricians, carpentry and masonry specialists, plumbers and horizontal construction engineers. They also have soldiers skilled in supply, administrative and maintenance areas.

In addition to the soldiers, families and employers were recognized at the event for their support and service leading up to the mobilization, as well as for the continued efforts they will need to make during the next 12 months.

“To the families here today, thank you,” Sprynczynatyk said. “I know for many of you parents, this is your first experience with having a son or daughter serve overseas. Know that their leaders are capable professionals who will look out for their safety and well-being throughout the mission. Others of you are spouses, often with young children. We know the sacrifices you are making, and our staff is here to support you 100 percent.”

Sprynczynatyk also recognized the many family members who are deploying together, including four married couples and three sets of siblings.

This is the first mobilization for the 188th Engineers, although their legacy unit in Wahpeton — Company B of the 142nd Engineer Combat Battalion — deployed to Iraq in 2003 and to Kosovo in 2000.

• Date Taken: 08.21.2011
• Date Posted: 08.21.2011 18:44
• Story ID: 75701
• Location: WAHPETON, ND, US