FORT BLISS, Texas – The 1st Armored Division Sustainment Brigade marked the start of a combat deployment with a colors casing ceremony on Muleskinner Field Sept. 4.
The casing of the colors is a traditional ceremony held by United States Army commands, brigades and regiments.
This ceremony symbolized the unit's movement of operations from its home station to the U.S. Army Central Command area of operations in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel.
“The team on the field has invested countless hours training and preparing for whatever mission we may be given,” said Col. Ronnie D. Anderson, commander, 1st Armored Division Sustainment Brigade. “America’s Tank Division is very fortunate to have the facilities and community that supports the best training in our Army.”
During the ceremony the unit received an award for its past contributions in Afghanistan.
“It’s a great honor to recognize the heritage of excellence this brigade has established by officially presenting the Meritorious Unit Commendation for the units’ contributions in Afghanistan in 2017 and 2018,” Anderson said.
Some of the brigade and subordinate elements will deploy to Afghanistan with approximately 200 Soldiers.
“As we assume the Resolute Support Sustainment Brigade mission for the third time in six years, we are fully aware of the enormity of the mission we are assuming,” said Anderson. “The breadth, depth, scope, scale and pace of logistics, finance, postal, medical, and customs operations in Afghanistan today will be both challenging and rewarding.”
“As strategic decisions reach a critical point in history, I assure you, regardless of the mission, the Muleskinners are up to the task,” said Anderson.
“We look forward to a great reunion at the best place in the Army to train, live and call home – right here at Fort Bliss and El Paso,” said Anderson."