The 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team hosted an uncasing ceremony at the Georgia National Guard Headquarters in Macon, Georgia, October 20, 2019.
The ceremony symbolized the unit’s return home from a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel and NATO Operation Resolute Support.
The ceremony also marks the 48th IBCT’s fourth return from combat since September 11, 2001. The brigade deployed in January of 2019 and returned in October 2019. The Afghanistan Campaign Transition II streamer was added to the brigade colors during the ceremony to honor their successful deployment.
“This event marks the closing of yet another significant chapter in the brigade’s growth,” said Col. Matthew Smith, commander of the 48th IBCT. “Each of these chapters serves to make our leaders and Soldiers better professionals who are more capable, lethal and survivable on the modern battlefield.”
The 48th IBCT’s mission is to mobilize, conduct pre-mobilization training and deploying rapidly to any contingency area – at home or abroad – by air, sea or land; whether in support of the governor during state emergencies or in conjunction with combined offensive and defensive operations worldwide.
Maj. Gen. Thomas M. Carden, the Georgia National Guard Adjutant General, attended and spoke on behalf of the Georgia National Guard.
“Seeing these colors uncased today is more than a ceremony and more than a symbol,” said Carden. “It’s an opportunity to thank these outstanding Soldiers and those they represent; their Family and this amazing community.”
Future efforts by the 48th IBCT will be to continue reset procedures while conducting monthly and annual readiness training.