Colorado Army National Guard space team deploys to support warfighters in the Middle East

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Zach Sheely | U.S. Army Maj. Benjamin Eastep, team leader of Army Space Support Team 21, 117th Space Battalion, Colorado Army National Guard, directs team level training with U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Alexis Madrigal and U.S. Army Sgt. Bruce Conrad in preparation for their upcoming deployment to the U.S. Central Command Area of Responsibility. Army Space Support Teams provide essential space imagery and intelligence products, analysis, and advice to division operations domestically and in support of contingency operations worldwide. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Zachary Sheeley)  

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, UNITED STATES

11.02.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Zach Sheely 

Colorado National Guard

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 2, 2018

CONTACT: U.S. Army Spc. Ashley Low, 720-250-1053, [e-mail].

Colorado Army National Guard space team deploys to support warfighters in the Middle East

CENTENNIAL, Colo. – The Colorado Army National Guard will host a departure ceremony for Army Space Support Team – 21, comprised of Soldiers from the 1158th Space Support Company, 117th Space Battalion, at the Denver Armory, Nov. 3, 2018, at 1 p.m.

ARSST-21 will deploy to the Middle East, in support of Task Force Spartan, to provide space-based products that enhance warfighter intelligence and operational planning capabilities.

"These highly skilled Soldiers will provide direct support to American and allied warfighters on the ground,” The Adjutant General of Colorado U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Mike Loh said. “Thank you to the families, employers and communities who will support these warriors throughout their deployment. Also, thank you to the employers and communities for supporting the Soldiers’ families.”

An ARSST team consists of six Soldiers capable of providing spaced-based products used in theater operations. Soldiers support the war fighters by monitoring and providing terrestrial and space weather data; analysis of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information; early warning of missile threats; GPS monitoring and accuracy reporting; monitoring and reporting of counter-improvised explosive device programs – all contributing to battlefield awareness.

The 117th Space Battalion organizes, sustains and deploys ready Army National Guard space forces capable of planning, coordinating, integrating and executing space and technical operations for Army, joint, and combined forces.

Members of the 117th Space Battalion used their skills in support of the incident commander during the Spring Fire, Colorado’s third largest wildfire, earlier this summer. They also supported responders during the West Fork Complex Fire, Colorado’s second largest wildfire, in 2013.

The 117th Space Battalion is the only Army National Guard Space Battalion.

Colorado National Guard senior leaders, dignitaries, family members, and friends will attend the ceremony.

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For Assignment Editors: For questions, please contact U.S. Army Spc. Ashley Low, 720-250-1053, [e-mail].
The ceremony will occur at 5275 Franklin Street, Denver, CO 80216, beginning at 1 p.m. Media should arrive no later than 12:30 p.m.

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• Date Taken: 11.02.2018
• Date Posted: 11.02.2018 15:01
• Story ID: 298676
• Location: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US
• Hometown: AURORA, CO, US
• Hometown: COLORADO SPRINGS, CO, US
• Hometown: DENVER, CO, US