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    Transportation unit departs for Afghanistan

    Transportation unit departs for Afghanistan

    Courtesy Photo | Indiana National Guard Sgt.Chris Vosmeier enjoys his time with his son, Jackson, and...... read more read more

    TRAFALGAR, IN, UNITED STATES

    01.12.2013

    Courtesy Story

    38th Infantry Division

    TRAFALGAR, Ind. -- Indiana National Guard Soldiers with the 1438th Transportation Company heard words of encouragement and said goodbye to members of their families in a ceremony at Indian Cheek High School, Saturday, Jan. 12, 2013.

    Approximately 130 troops left for Fort Hood, Texas, where they will continue their training for nearly a month. Afterwards, they'll deploy to Afghanistan where they will provide convoy and transportation services throughout the region in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

    Indiana Army National Guard 1st. Lt. Patrick Ringwald, a platoon leader about to experience his first deployment, was confident about the future.

    “We have been trained hard and will continue our training at Fort Hood. This will be an interesting experience that I can’t wait to start,” said Ringwald. “I feel honored to be able to represent my country and to make a difference.”

    The 38th’s Assistant Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Michael W. McHenry, spoke to the soldiers, and placed them squarely into the current situation.

    “9/11 was not that long ago and this is why we are here today. Each of you are a part of America’s rich history,” said McHenry.

    The general also addressed his remarks to the many family members assembled to see their loved ones off.

    “Your families, these soldiers, are the best trained, best lead and in the best army in the world. We are as proud of them as you are,” McHenry said.

    Indiana National Guard Spc. Russ Williams, Indianapolis, a 1438th driver, is ready to start.

    “I’m really excited to see how it will all unfold for us and what it will be like over there. My training was very thorough and instilled a lot of confidence in me, and I can’t wait to put it into practice,” said Williams who is about to experience his first overseas deployment,

    The transportation company’s last deployment was Christmas time, 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where they traversed 750,000 miles throughout Iraq, performing 296 combat missions. This time they will be asked to support the mission in Afghanistan hauling equipment, and providing area support.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.12.2013
    Date Posted: 01.15.2013 13:33
    Story ID: 100463
    Location: TRAFALGAR, IN, US

    Web Views: 146
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN