Pa. National Guard’s 28th Military Police Co. honored in deployment ceremony

Photo By Sgt. Andrew J Weston | Soldiers of the 28th Military Police Company, 165th Military Police Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, receive a standing ovation from friends and family members during their departure ceremony Sept. 9 at Richland High School, Johnstown, Pa. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Andrew Weston)  

JOHNSTOWN, PA, UNITED STATES

09.09.2018

Story by Sgt. Zane Craig 

Joint Force Headquarters - Pennsylvania National Guard

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Approximately 160 Soldiers with 28th Military Police Company, 165th Military Police Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard, were honored in a ceremony today as they prepare to depart for a deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield (OSS).

The 28th MP Co. will provide security and customs support in several countries in Southwest Asia, and will initially fall under the command of the 28th Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion.

“I recognize that balancing the demands of school and work while keeping yourself ready to deploy is not an easy thing, but you do it with courage, you do it with courage and determination,” said Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf.

OSS is designed to maintain a U.S. military posture in the Middle East to strengthen our defense relationships, build partner capacity, and execute U.S. Central Command contingency plans. The 28th MP Co. will conduct customs operations throughout the region following approximately one month of additional training at Fort Bliss, Texas.

“Unit after unit has been called and has delivered, and I’ve been so proud of the way our Pennsylvania Soldiers and Airmen have responded to those calls,” said Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general.

Governor Wolf was joined by Maj. Gen. Tony Carrelli, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general, Maj. Gen. Timothy Hilty, assistant adjutant general-Army of the Pennsylvania National Guard, other distinguished guests, and Soldiers’ friends and families were present for the departure ceremony Sept. 9 at Richland High School in Harrisburg.

“Your service is no less difficult and no less of a sacrifice than that of the Soldier you came to see off today,” said Carrelli, thanking the hundreds of loved ones that turned out to the ceremony.

Established in 1964 as the 4th Military Police and Security Platoon and designated as the 28th MP Co. in 1965, the Company deployed to Iraq in 2007. In 2010 through 2013, members of the 28th MP Co. deployed to Afghanistan as part of the joint Police Operational Mentoring and Liaison Team along with armed forces from our state partner, Lithuania, working with the Afghan National Security Forces.

“I had the privilege to mobilize as the commander of this great organization in 2007 and now our country has called upon the 28th Military Police Company again,” said Lt. Col. Brad Pierson, commander of the 165th MP Battalion. “This is a testament to the hard work and effort across the ranks that have identified you as a ready force that can be called upon when your country needs you. Capt. Currey, I am extremely confident in your ability to lead this company forward and be successful across the region. I know all the hard work and dedication that it has taken to get to this point.”

Deployment ceremonies honor the courage needed by those who serve, as well as the family members, friends and employers who support them.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: Please contact Lt. Col.Angela King-Sweigart [phone], or e-mail [e-mail]

• Date Taken: 09.09.2018
• Date Posted: 09.09.2018 18:24
• Story ID: 291984
• Location: JOHNSTOWN, PA, US