Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Brent Powell | A group of Patriot Guard Riders, a military support group, prepare to escort nearly 70...... read more read more
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EAST POINT, Georgia – The 335th Signal Command (Theater) hosted a deployment ceremony at the unit headquarters here Oct. 30, to recognize nearly 70 Army Reserve Soldiers who are preparing to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Family members, friends and fellow Soldiers were on hand to provide support and well-wishes as the war fighters begin their nine-month journey.
The guest speaker for the ceremony was Col. Nikki Griffin-Olive, deputy commanding general for sustainment, 335th SC (T). “There is no greater responsibility or honor than to serve our Nation,” said Olive. “So today we recognize the true dedication and sacrifices that these Warriors and their families are making. The mission they are going to do is critical and important. It’s one we have been doing for a long time and we do it really well.”
Olive continued by looking at past missions and to the future of the command. “As we reflect back on 15-years of war, and the changes we have seen in the Army, there is no question we are a more versatile, adaptable and resilient force,” she said. “Our signal regiment continues to play a major role in executing what we have called in the past, the ‘War on Terrorism’. We continue to play an integral part of providing efficient communications to the very edge of the battlefield to the very last Soldier standing, ensuring our American Soldiers have the very best technology and command and control possible to protect our missions and ensure the safety of our Soldiers.”
The responsibility for leading the Soldiers on the upcoming deployment falls into the hands of Capt. Donald Snavely, the detachment commander, Det. 4, 335th SC (T). “It’s a lot of responsibility being a detachment commander,” he said. “There are a lot of people depending on me to organize, lead and get them safety to the mission environment and back home. It’s a lot to embrace, but I enjoy it because it brings a lot of challenges and a lot of problems to work through.”
Many family members were on hand for the ceremony, and among those was Capt. Snavely’s daughter, Vanessa. “The hardest part of him leaving is just not being able to see him, not having much contact,” she said. “We talk on the phone a lot and he helps me whenever I need advice or something around the house, so it’s going to be tough with him being gone.”
The ceremony concluded with the playing of the Army Song, but Olive may have summed it up the best. “Thank you for your undying dedication, commitment and continued sacrifice for your Nation,” she said. “The strength of our Nation is our Army, the strength of our Army is our people, and the strength of our people lies within each leader here today. Very best of luck, blessings and God’s speed, I’m Olive and I’m proud to be an American Soldier.”
| Date Taken: | 10.30.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 10.30.2016 11:03 |
| Story ID: | 213271 |
| Location: | EAST POINT, GA, US |
| Web Views: | 502 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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