FORSCOM unit inactivates

Courtesy Photo | The 12th Public Affairs Detachment commander, Cpt. Megan Jantos and Sgt. 1st Class Paige Fluker ferrules the guidon for the last time during the unit’s inactivation ceremony Nov. 15, 2013.  

FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

11.15.2013

Story by Spc. Alexander Neely 

24th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

FORT BLISS, Texas - The 12th Public Affairs Detachment conducted an inactivation ceremony at Fort Bliss, Nov. 15.

The ceremony, which was attended by more than 50 other public affairs soldiers, was held by the unit’s commander Capt. Megan Jantos, and reviewed by Lt. Col. Lisa Garcia, commander of the 24th Press Camp Headquarters. Col. Heyward Hutson, commander of the 212th Fires Brigade, was also in attendance.

"This is a somber but proud day, as we case the colors of the 12th Public Affairs Detachment," said Garcia, commanding officer of the 24th Press Camp Headquarters. "These dedicated Soldiers are the legacy, and that is a legacy that we can all be proud of."

Jantos, commanding officer of 12th Public Affairs Detachment, spoke about not only her military connection to the unit but personal one as well.

"Although this unit won't remain part of the Army inventory," said Jantos, "it will forever hold a special place in my heart because if these Soldiers and what they have accomplished."

The 12th PAD was originally constituted Oct. 20, 1965, in the regular army as the 12th Public Information Detachment and activated July 24, 1966, at Fort George G. Meade, Maryland.

The 12th PID contributed to 14 campaigns in Vietnam and was inactivated there April 30, 1972.

12th PID was redesignated the 12th PAD March 19, 2009 and activated May 16, 2011 at Fort Bliss, Texas as a Forces Command unit under the command of the 24th Press Camp Headquarters.

The detachment’s 8 person unit deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait on May 13, 2012, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom as part of Third Army, U.S. Army Central Command, Coalition Forces Land Component Command.

12th PAD's unit awards include three Army Meritorious Unit Commendations and four Republic of Vietnam Crosses of Gallantry with Palm.

This is the first of two Public Affairs Detachments that will be inactivated on Fort Bliss this fiscal year as part of the U.S. Army’s reorganization and drawdown plan. The 43rd PAD is planned be inactivated in March 2014.

• Date Taken: 11.15.2013
• Date Posted: 11.15.2013 19:06
• Story ID: 116850
• Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US