Maintenance window scheduled to begin at February 14th 2200 est. until 0400 est. February 15th

(e.g. yourname@email.com)

Forgot Password?

    Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Logo

    Texas-based combat engineers return from Afghanistan

    Texas-based combat engineers return from Afghanistan

    Photo By Amabilia Payen | Soldiers assigned to the 454th Engineer Company, Texas Army National Guard, San...... read more read more

    FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

    01.12.2015

    Story by Amabilia Payen 

    Mobilization and Deployment, DPTMS Fort Bliss

    FORT BLISS, Texas – Soldiers of the 454th Engineer Company Route Clearance, Texas Army National Guard, returned state-side Jan. 12 at the Silas L. Copeland Arrival/Departure Air Control Group airfield after completing their mission in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

    Greeting them as they deplaned was Brig. Gen. Patrick Hamilton, commanding general of the Texas Domestic Operations Task Force, Texas Army National Guard.

    “Everybody came home safely,” said Hamilton. “They have been there for almost a year and it’s great to have them home. They did a great job and we are glad to have them back in Texas.”

    According to Capt. Eric L. Leatherman, company commander, 454th Eng. Company, the unit was the tip of the spear when it came to route clearance. The 454th Eng. Company cleared the way for all coalition forces by removing improvised explosive devices off the main routes in Afghanistan.

    “We were IED hunters,” said Leatherman. “We had the highest (operational tempo) and the most kilometers for any other unit out there right now. We were extremely busy, however about three quarters of the duration there, we had our forces split for a consulate mission. We sent a platoon to be a protection element for the consulate.”

    For Spc. Danielle Jost, supply technician, 454th Eng. Company, the deployment was one she will never forget because it was her first time in a hostile environment.

    “It was good to go with a group of people I really liked,” said Jost. “We went through a lot of stuff and I’m just glad everybody made it back home. I was very nervous but it was a once in a lifetime experience. I’m glad to be home.”

    Leatherman expected his Soldiers to do a good job and he became very proud of them when the 454th Eng. Company became the unit that coalition forces would go to for help.

    “Where it was tiring, or painful, everyone out there would come to us, and they would thank us,” said Leatherman.

    The 454th Eng. Co. will now go through the demobilization process with the Mobilization and Deployment office of the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security. Hamilton’s advice to the unit as they were de-briefed was “be patient.”

    “I know everybody wants to go home, but be patient because in the long run, this all for you,” said Hamilton during his speech to the Soldiers of 454th Eng. Company. The importance of why the demobilization process is done to standard, not to time, was emphasized by Hamilton in his speech, stating it is a good thing to make sure everything in their documentation and medical issues are done right when National Guardsmen come off active duty. This is so they could go back to their civilian jobs and families without worry.

    The 454th Eng. Company families were well taken care of by the Family Readiness Group leader, Mary Lou Porter. Leatherman expressed his gratitude towards her hard work and support of the unit.

    “We couldn’t ask for a better FRG leader,” said Leatherman. “She was on point the entire time, taking care of our families. Whenever I take their husbands, wives, sisters, and brothers from their families, it’s extremely tough for the people back home and they pay a high price for freedom just like we do, so Mary was always on top of it.”

    Once the demobilization process is complete, the 454th Eng. Company will return to San Angelo, Texas, where their unit is based.

    LEAVE A COMMENT

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 01.12.2015
    Date Posted: 01.22.2015 10:17
    Story ID: 152443
    Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US
    Hometown: FORT BLISS, TX, US
    Hometown: SAN ANGELO, TX, US

    Web Views: 758
    Downloads: 2

    PUBLIC DOMAIN