Photo By Amabilia Payen | Soldiers assigned to 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey Army National...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas – Members of the 1st Battalion, 114th Infantry Regiment, New Jersey Army National Guard, returned from the Middle East after completing a force protection mission, May 3 and 6, at the Silas L. Copeland Arrival/Departure Air Control Group airfield.
The battalion, which has over 400 Soldiers, traveled in two separate groups and had a successful mission. Lt. Col. Fred Pasquale, commander, 1st Bn., 114th Inf. Reg., said it was good for his Soldiers to experience this mission, since half of his battalion never deployed before.
“They did a great job,” said Pasquale. “We were able to do a lot of different training to include live fire training. It was exciting and I am very proud of (the Soldiers) for what they were able to do and it was a pleasure being their commander.”
The battalion was able to capitalize on the opportunities while being mobilized in theater. They sent 25 individuals through the Warrior Leadership Course held in Kuwait. Of those 25, five Soldiers made the commandant’s list. The battalion also did an internal German Armed Forces Proficiency Badge competition. Three iterations produced 70 qualified Soldiers to wear the GAFPB.
Col. Ed Chrystal, commander of the 50th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, New Jersey Army National Guard, was present for the second flight to welcome the remaining Soldiers of the battalion home.
“They had a great mission,” said Chrystal. “Back home, we are very proud of them and everything they accomplished and we are happy to see them back home safe.”
Pasquale thanks the families and organizations from back home in New Jersey. The Christmas packages that were sent really brought a taste of home and it definitely motivated the Soldiers.
“Some sent Christmas trees and decorations,” said Pasquale. “We kept our Soldiers pretty busy so time flew by.”
The battalion demobilized through the Mobilization and Deployment branch of the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security office before heading home to New Jersey.
| Date Taken: | 05.06.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 06.04.2015 11:58 |
| Story ID: | 165473 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Hometown: | WOODBURY, NJ, US |
| Web Views: | 201 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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