FORT KNOX, Ky. – Third Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) family and friends gathered at Harris Hall to say goodbye to their Soldiers departing for Kuwait, April 17. Most ESC Soldiers have already deployed to Afghanistan over the last few weeks.
In addition to family members, the Vine Grove Veterans of Foreign Wars (Post 10281), the Hardin County Ladies Auxiliary, and the Fort Knox American Red Cross were there to wish the Soldiers well and provide snacks for the children.
Third ESC Support Operations Container Management Non-commissioned Officer, Sgt. David Tyrpin was seen off by his fiancee, Awestan Rashid, and their daughter Aveen, 3, and their son Alan, 2. His two older children, Tristan, 13, and Trinity, 11, are staying with family in Florida until his deployment ends.
“It’s a deployment. The hardest part is saying goodbye so many times,” said Tyrpin, in a nod to the separation from his family.
“On the other hand, I’m looking forward to the deployment. I’m new to the unit, but from everything I’ve seen so far, I get a lot of support from the senior leaders of the unit and everything, so I’m ready to go.”
Third ESC Rear Detachment Commander, Lt. Col. Steven Toth, appreciated the soldiers’ motivation as they moved forward to Kuwait.
“Like their brothers and sisters who have deployed already, these sustainers are eager to get to the mission. Their departure on such a recognized holiday weekend is silent testimony to the sacrifices that our armed forces and their families continue to contribute daily to protect our freedom.”