Nebraska holds sendoff for 67th Brigade

Photo By Cpl. Skyler Schendt | Nebraska National Guard Soldiers, families and distinguished guests gathered Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Haymarket Park in Lincoln, Nebraska, for a departure ceremony for nearly 200 Soldiers of the 67th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade headquarters deploying to the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility. The 67th Brigade headquarters will support Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa to conduct operations in the region that enhance partner nation capacity, promote regional security and stability, dissuade conflict, and protect U.S. and coalition interests. (National Guard photo by Spc. Lauren Behn)  

LINCOLN, NE, UNITED STATES

05.08.2021

Story by Senior Airman Jamie Titus 

Joint Force Headquarters - Nebraska National Guard

Nebraska holds sendoff for 67th Brigade

Military and community leaders gathered along with nearly 200 Soldiers and their loved ones for a socially-distanced, outdoor deployment ceremony honoring the Nebraska Army National Guard’s 67th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade May 8, 2021, at Haymarket Park in Lincoln.
The unit will deploy to Djibouti to support Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa to conduct operations in the region that enhance partner nation capacity, promote regional security and stability, dissuade conflict, and protect U.S. and coalition interests.
Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa is a dynamic operational headquarters, effectively countering violent extremist organizations in East Africa, conducting operations in 12 countries spanning across 2.4 million square miles and 6,189 miles of coastline.
The mission of the 67th MEB is to command and control assigned units and support the security, mobility and functional operations of forces in a designated region.
“Your mission is complex – and it is incredibly important to the security interests of this nation as you go forward,” said Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, Nebraska National Guard adjutant general.
During the ceremony, Nebraska’s Lieutenant Governor Mike Foley spoke on the dedication of the Nebraska Soldiers and their families.
“You truly love our country and the people know it and you show it in so many ways whether in uniform or out of uniform,” Foley said. “They see it in the way that you live your lives and they recognize the heroic sacrifices that you make for all of us.”
The unit will first report to Fort Hood, Texas, to complete several weeks of theater-specific training prior to deployment overseas.
For some this deployment is a chance for them to challenge themselves.
“I’m just looking forward to doing something new, challenging myself as an individual and in my position within the Guard,” said Capt. Emily Zink, a behavioral health officer in the brigade headquarters. “I think it will be a really good experience and it will allow me to grow within my MOS.”
As a behavioral health officer, Zink will be there to help maintain Soldiers’ mental health.
“It’s really tough to be gone from your family and friends. Things happen while you’re not home, and sometimes it’s just hard to cope. So, hopefully, we can assist soldiers and maintain their health and safety,” Zink said.
Nebraska senior leaders are confident that the 67th MEB will complete their mission successfully and safely.
“It’s not just any formation that’s going—it’s a Nebraska National Guard formation,” Bohac said. “Remember where you came from and who you are, and perform your mission as if the word ‘Nebraska’ was emblazoned upon the front of your uniform for you, your fellow soldiers and for all the world to see.”
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• Date Taken: 05.08.2021
• Date Posted: 05.10.2021 12:47
• Story ID: 396012
• Location: LINCOLN, NE, US