Photo By Tech. Sgt. Nicole Manzanares | Flanked by Patriot Guard Riders, Colorado National Guard Soldiers of Headquarters and...... read more read more
CASTLE ROCK, Colo. — The Douglas County Fairground Special Events Center was filled to near capacity as friends, family and well wishers said goodbye to approximately 150 Soldiers of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 193rd Military Police Battalion.
The Colorado Army National Guard unit is heading to Afghanistan In support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The departure ceremony began with a community band marching in front of the Soldiers, music that was barely heard over the cheering crowd. As Soldiers entered the packed events center, they were flanked by members of the Patriot Guard Riders bearing American flags.
"You are the finest of Colorado's Citizen-Soldiers. You are ambassadors in all that you do, and I know you are well led," said Adjutant General of Colorado Brig. Gen. H. Michael Edwards. "God speed. Best wishes. We've got your back."
"On this journey you will come back stronger and better but it's up to you. You have to be resilient," said Col. Christopher Petty, commander of the 89th Troop Command, the MP battalion's higher headquarters.
Colorado Army National Guard Commander Col. Dana Capozzella said that seeing these Soldiers leave, it felt to her as if it were her own family who was leaving. "I truly believe the MPs have the best esprit de corps and morale. I have full faith in you," she said.
"The support that is here is overwhelming. The support we receive is critical to our mission. Without it we couldn't do what we do," said 193rd MP Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Laura Clellan. "This is the best group of Soldiers I have ever worked with and I am positive we are going to do a good job."
The ceremony concluded with the casing of the units colors, symbolizing their departure to a new theater of operations, then the retirement of the American flag by members of the Aurora and Lakewood Police departments serving as the color guard.
Soldiers will serve as the command and control element of Task Force Rocky Mountain, a joint unit comprised of Army and Navy personnel who are tasked with providing care and custody of detainees, with dignity and respect, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The unit is made up of Soldiers from armories in Denver and Cañon City, Colo., . The Soldiers' next stop is Fort Bliss, Texas, to train on specific theater mission requirements, as well as culture and language, prior to heading to Afghanistan.
| Date Taken: | 02.01.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 02.01.2010 16:16 |
| Story ID: | 44747 |
| Location: | CASTLE ROCK, COLORADO, US |
| Web Views: | 538 |
| Downloads: | 415 |
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