Photo By Master Sgt. Matthew Keeler | Programs are prepared for the deployment departure ceremony of the 228th Engineer...... read more read more
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FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - Soldiers from the 228th Engineer Company, 337th Engineer Battalion, 55th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, held their deployment departure ceremony at North Lebanon High School on October 10, 2021.
“This is an important mission,” said Col. John Pippy, commander of the 55th MEB. “Many of us standing here today, have done similar missions over the last several years and understand the challenges.”
In addition to supporting their federal mission, the Soldiers of the 228th have worked to support their community as well. Soldiers from the company volunteered to assist Pennsylvania National Guard operations to support the PA Department of Health and PA Emergency Management Agency during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Unlike an annual training, a two-week training period, or activation to state active-duty orders, a deployment is an extended time from friends and family. It offers its own series of challenges that unit and family readiness group are available to support, said Pippy.
“It is hard being in the Guard, because we all do not live at the same post – we are spread not only across the state but in many cases across this region,” he said. “But we are one family. We want to thank you for all you have done to give us these great Soldiers who are going to go on and serve our country.”
Lt. Col. John Felts, commander of the 337th Engineer Battalion, touched on the importance of the Soldiers of the company building on the teamwork that they have developed over their drill weekends, and training to get ready for this deployment.
“Soldiers of the 228th Engineer Company, you are going to have some long days ahead of you. Remain flexible, have situational awareness of how your actions and emotions have an impact on those around you. And, take care of each other,” said Felts.
Felts also encouraged Soldiers to continue to communicate with their families while they are away.
“Soldiers stay in touch with your family,” said Felts. “This may sound a little ‘old school,’ but write a letter and put it in the mail. I promise you that your loved ones will treasure it for years to come.”
The deployment of the 228th is the first since the company was formed in 2015. Originally designated as Bravo Company, 103rd Brigade Engineer Battalion, the unit was reorganized in 2016 as the 228th Engineer Vertical Construction Company. The transition of the company moved from skills like combat engineer to construction engineers; such as heavy equipment operators, carpenters, masons, plumbers, electricians, etc.
The Soldiers of the 228th overcame a challenge to prepare for this deployment. They worked through a Pandemic, supporting State Active Duty missions, additional trainings, and more; a task that is almost impossible without the support of the families of these Soldiers, said Pippy.
“We cannot do our job without the people seating in these seats, the family and the friends of these brave Soldiers,” said Pippy. “There will be challenges when these men and women go away and serve our country, we have the family readiness group and we are here to help.”
| Date Taken: | 10.10.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 10.14.2021 16:04 |
| Story ID: | 407249 |
| Location: | LEBANON, PA, US |
| Web Views: | 264 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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