Courtesy Photo | First Sgt. Kevin Magstadt (left foreground) shakes hands with Maj. Gen. David...... read more read more
FARGO, N.D. — Lt. Gov. Drew Wrigley, Sen. John Hoeven and Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, North Dakota adjutant general, along with other military leaders and community supporters yesterday filled the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Fargo. There, they honored 15 North Dakota Army National Guard Soldiers, who recently returned home after serving overseas and their families.
The Guardsmen, of the Fargo-based 231st Brigade Support Battalion Logistical Support Element (231st BSB LSE), received awards during a Freedom Salute ceremony, which is meant to formally recognize Soldiers who have returned home from deployment. The Soldiers returned home in July after a yearlong logistical support mission in support of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
“Today, we officially welcome home the members of the 231st BSB LSE and honor them for their distinguished service in support of U.S. Central Command,” said Wrigley. “These Soldiers were tasked with an important mission in the defense of our homeland and completed that mission with great success and distinction. We are grateful to them for their outstanding service to our state and nation and to the families who also served and sacrificed on our behalf.”
Under the command of Capt. Nicolette Daschendorf, of Bismarck, the Soldiers provided logistical support to units in CENTCOM’s area of responsibility, by managing supply, maintenance, transportation and cargo movement activities. 1st Sgt. Kevin Magstadt, of Bismarck, served as the unit’s senior enlisted leader.
CENTCOM is one of nine unified combatant commands in the U.S. military. The command’s area of responsibility covers the “central” area of the globe and consists of 20 countries: Afghanistan, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Lebanon, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Yemen.
“I am very happy to be here today to welcome the men and women of the 231st BSB LSE back home to North Dakota. This was an important mission for the North Dakota National Guard in that CENTCOM is dedicated to bringing peace and stability to this region,” Sprynczynatyk said. “We’re extremely proud of the success of our Soldiers during this mission and thank them for their accomplishments.”
Each Soldier honored yesterday received a gift to present to a family member in appreciation for their role during the deployment. Six of the unit’s members recognized at the event received additional honors for having served on more than one deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The group included three Soldiers who have deployed twice and three more who have served during three deployments.
“We all know that the service does not start at stop with our soldiers. I thank the families for their unyielding service and support to their Soldiers, to the North Dakota National Guard and to the nation,” Sprynczynatyk added.
He also thanked the Soldiers’ employers, saying that without their support, the North Dakota National Guard would not be as successful.
Freedom Salute ceremonies occur about three months after Soldiers return from a deployment and coincide with the third Yellow Ribbon reintegration weekend that brings together Soldiers and family members for programs and reintegration activities to foster strong, resilient military families.
| Date Taken: | 09.28.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 09.28.2015 19:40 |
| Story ID: | 177441 |
| Location: | FARGO, ND, US |
| Web Views: | 36 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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