FORT BRAGG, North Carolina --- Soldiers from 82nd Aviation Regiment, 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, 82nd Airborne Division, recently deployed to the United States Central Command Area of Operations (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM's operating environment umbrellas Operations Inherent Resolve and U.S. Military Training Missions, and honors its commitment to work with and through their allies to increase regional stability.
The "Gray Eagle" was ready to support CENTCOM's mission as members of the 82nd Airborne Division's agile and responsive force prepared to win in any complex and uncertain environment.
Prior to the Soldiers' departure, the senior leaders of the 82nd Airborne Division spoke to America's Guard of Honor individually and collectively about the confidence they have in the Soldiers' capabilities to win the fight and protect our allies.
“They all realize the impact of their jobs and positions,” said Col. Ernest J. Irvin, Commander of the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. “They know what they were trained to do, but I told them no matter how important they think it is, they will never understand the importance of what they’re doing until they all return home.”
The men and women of the 82nd Aviation Regiment embraced family members with hugs and kisses, while they kept their weapons clutched close to their sides.
U.S. Army Sgt. Julie Rahr, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, works as an unmanned aircraft system repairer with 1-82 ARB said, this was her first deployment, and she was ready to go do her job.
Spc. Leighton Lim, a native of Daytona, Florida, was not clandestine about how he felt leaving on his first deployment. "I am excited and ready. Let’s go," said Lim.
The Gray Eagle is a lighter, faster, smaller, and more capable force deployed to win tomorrow's fight.