ADA BN deploys to Afghanistan

Photo By Amabilia Payen | Lt. Col. Michael E. Powers, commander, 1st Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery gives a pep talk to his Soldiers before boarding the flight bound for Afghanistan, June 12, at the Silas L. Copeland Arrival/Departure Air Control Group. “You made history by being the best at training...now let’s go and be the best unit in Afghanistan,” briefed Powers.  

FORT BLISS, TX, UNITED STATES

06.12.2015

Story by Amabilia Payen 

Mobilization and Deployment, DPTMS Fort Bliss

FORT BLISS, Texas – From the Florida Army National Guard, 1st Battalion, 265th Air Defense Artillery deployed June 12 from the Silas L. Copeland Arrival/Departure Air Control Group to conduct a counter rocket, artillery, and mortar mission in Afghanistan protecting Forward Operating Bases.

Col. Matthew Hearon, commander, 164th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, Florida Army National Guard, was present during the manifestation of the 1st Bn., 265th ADA at the A/DACG. Hearon shook every Soldiers hand before boarding the plane bound for Afghanistan.

“I have the greatest respect for the Soldiers and the leadership of this unit,” said Hearon. “They are well-trained, all the way from premobilization to their training at Fort Sill (Oklahoma) or Fort Bliss. They have been the best unit that has come through this training. They stand prepared and motivated.”

Since 9/11, the Florida Army National Guard ADA units have deployed to the nation’s capital, defending the skies from possible air attacks. Since then, this is the first time that 1st Bn., 265th ADA heads overseas to do the same in Afghanistan.

“I just want them to do what they have been trained to do and go over there and protect our forces in Afghanistan and to protect those FOBs from rocket, artillery and mortar attack,” said Hearon.“Keep our soldiers that are forward deployed, safe.”

Lt. Col. Michael E. Powers, commander, 1st Bn., 265th ADA, has made it a personal goal to bring Soldiers back home safely. Not only the Soldiers in his command, but Soldiers living in the areas they will be assigned to protect with C-RAM.

“Our job is to defend the base from indirect fire and our guys have been well-trained on that, and they are prepared to do it. Our goal is to be the best unit that has ever done that mission in Afghanistan and we are ready to do that,” said Powers.

As 1st Bn., 265th ADA awaited to board the plane at the A/DACG, one Soldier took the time to FaceTime with his wife, while she gave birth to their first-born daughter.

Spc. Stacy Entwistle, air defender with Charlie Battery, 1st Bn., 265th ADA, was being congratulated by his battle buddies for becoming a first time father of an eight-pound baby girl, who was named Savannah.

“It was very tough, but just having my wife back me up like she does, and it is so much easier,” said Entwistle about not being physically present for the birth. “Just being able to have a chance to see my daughter before I leave was awesome.” Savannah was scheduled to be born June 18, but decided to arrive a little earlier than expected.

Entwistle not only was excited about becoming a father for the first time, he was also excited about going on his first deployment with Charlie Battery.

“Everybody in Charlie battery is just such a big family. People that don’t even know me, that are going on this deployment are walking up and saying congratulations. Joining the Florida National Guard was beyond the best thing I have ever done. Mom, dad, I love you and I love you Shay and take care of Savannah. I will see you all soon.”

• Date Taken: 06.12.2015
• Date Posted: 06.30.2015 16:37
• Story ID: 168661
• Location: FORT BLISS, TX, US
• Hometown: ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL, US
• Hometown: FORT BLISS, TX, US
• Hometown: PALM SPRINGS, FL, US