FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – Three Soldiers with the 1928th Contracting Support Detachment, 213th Regional Support Group, Pennsylvania Army National Guard were honored during a ceremony here Oct. 29 as they prepare for a deployment to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Freedom Sentinel (OFS).
OFS is part of NATO’s Resolute Support Mission following the end of U.S. combat missions in Afghanistan. OFS is designed to maintain a U.S. military posture in Southwest Asia to strengthen our defense relationships, build partner capacity and continue counter-terrorism measures against Al-Qaeda.
“There is much expected of these few,” said Col. James G. McCormack, 213th RSG commander. “I know they will meet those expectations that is naturally presumed of Pa. National Guardsmen wherever they go.”
Maj. Gen. Timothy Hilty, Pennsylvania’s assistant adjutant general, Col. Laura McHugh, Pennsylvania’s chief of staff, Air Force Lt. Col. Christine Munch, Pennsylvania’s director of staff, and Command Sgt. Maj. Harry Buchanan, Pennsylvania’s senior enlisted advisor, other distinguished guests, and the Soldiers’ friends and families were present for the ceremony.
“Thank you for letting us borrow your loved ones in support of this higher calling and critical mission in support of our nation,” said McCormack. “We realize you make the greater sacrifice taking care of things at home.”
Soldiers from the 213th RSG’s contracting support detachments also deployed to Afghanistan from May 2017 through March 2018, alongside elements of the New Jersey National Guard.
“Gentlemen, do well,” said McCormack. “We are proud of you now, but we will be even more proud upon your return, as we know you will do great things.”