Photo By Maj. Wayne Clyne | Capt. Timothy Gildea, commander of A Company, Forward Support Company, 1249th Engineer...... read more read more
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SALEM, Oregon – The Oregon Military Department honored approximately 60 soldiers from A Company, Forward Support Company, 1249th Engineer Battalion during a mobilization ceremony Oct. 14, 2025, at the Anderson Readiness Center as they prepare to deploy in support of security operations along the U.S. southern border.
The soldiers will deploy to Texas, where they will be assigned to the 104th Military Police Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, providing critical logistics support, including vehicle recovery, maintenance, refueling, and parts distribution.
"Today we gather to honor dedicated citizen-soldiers undertaking a mission at the southwest border," said Col. Philip DeMontigny, assistant adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard. "You represent the best of Oregon. A Company, Forward Support Company has a proud history, and once again, you have stepped up."
The Forward Support Company will operate in two platoons – one focused on distribution and one on maintenance, supporting military police operations along the border. Soldiers will receive mission-specific training at Fort Bliss, Texas, including logistics packages, refueling operations, vehicle recovery and security procedures before beginning their mission.
Capt. Timothy Gildea, commander of A Company, Forward Support Company and a police officer with the Medford Police Department in his civilian role, emphasized his unit's readiness despite the rapid timeline.
"We were notified of the deployment within the last four months," said Gildea. "I have an all-star staff who worked incredibly hard to get everybody spun up and ready to go. I'm incredibly proud of everybody."
The ceremony recognized several soldiers for their exceptional support during the mobilization preparation, including Sgt. Massey, who served 515 days including 75 days before the mobilization order to ensure proper training and equipment readiness.
DeMontigny also recognized 11 soldiers who recently returned from previous deployments yet volunteered for this mission, including several who volunteered within 10 days of returning home from the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team's recent deployment to the Middle East.
The 1249th Engineer Battalion traces its roots to the 249th Coastal Artillery, established in 1908. The unit is notable as the only U.S. military unit fired upon on American soil during World War II, when a Japanese submarine shelled Fort Stevens in 1942. The Oregon National Guard has a long history of supporting southern border security dating back to the 1800s.
Many of the deploying soldiers recently served with the 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team's deployment, and some members of A Company, Forward Support Company, previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2010.
"You share a long history of service," DeMontigny told the soldiers. "Your experience stabilizes the formation. Your resilience is evident."
DeMontigny encouraged the deploying soldiers to use their time intentionally, set professional and personal goals, and maintain strong communication with their teams and families throughout the deployment.
"The standards you're well aware of – respect everyone we meet, disciplined execution and teamwork," said DeMontigny. "To those deploying for the first time, we're proud of you. To those on your second, third or fourth deployment, your experience stabilizes the formation."
The colonel also thanked families and employers for their sacrifices and support.
"You manage the worries, you keep calendars, classrooms and workplaces running smoothly," DeMontigny said. "You do it with quiet strength that allows the soldiers to focus on the mission. You serve too."
Gildea emphasized that families will remain connected to their soldiers throughout the deployment.
"I don't want them to feel like they are going to be separated for that extensive amount of time," said Gildea. "We fully support having families come down to visit. We are here for you just as much as we're here for your soldier."
The mission, conducted in support of federal agency partners and coordinated through the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the Department of Defense, represents a unique opportunity for the Guard soldiers to work alongside active-duty forces and interagency partners.
Oregon National Guard members serve part-time, typically one weekend a month and two weeks a year, while maintaining civilian careers. They stand ready to respond to state emergencies such as wildfires and floods while also training to defend the nation when called to federal service.
| Date Taken: | 10.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 10.14.2025 20:11 |
| Story ID: | 550156 |
| Location: | SALEM, OREGON, US |
| Web Views: | 118 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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