Send-off ceremony held in Bismarck for Soldiers heading to Kosovo (UNCLASSIFIED)

Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE

Send-off ceremony held in Bismarck for Soldiers heading to Kosovo

 

By Staff Sgt. Billie Jo Lorius

 

BISMARCK, N.D. —A send-off as well as a transfer of colors ceremony was held today at the Bismarck Civic Center for the 141st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade (MEB) of the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG). Approximately 700 members of this unit will soon begin their deployment to Kosovo to participate in an ongoing NATO peacekeeping mission in the Balkan country.

 

The 141st MEB Chaplain (Maj.) Maury Millican opened up the ceremony with a benediction, saying, "We love freedom, we love peace and we are strong. We are ready to make a difference. Separation from our family is hard, but the reward is a safe a secure Kosovo, which means a safe and secure world. It is an honor to be sent on this mission."

 

Approximately 2,000 friends, family, employers and community members joined in the ceremony to wish the Soldiers a safe mobilization. They were joined by Gov. John Hoeven, Senator Byron Dorgan, Mayor John Warford, Adjutant General Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk, 141st MEB Forward Commander Brig. Gen Alan Dohrmann as well as many other officials and dignitaries.

 

Gov. John Hoeven presented a North Dakota flag to each of the company's within the Brigade and lauded the experience of the group because approximately half have been deployed before, and for some, it is their third or fourth deployment. "We have a veteran group here. We know you'll do a fantastic job." Looking out into the crowd of deploying Soldiers, he said, "Know that you'll be in our hearts and prayers every single day until you get home."

 

The North Dakota National Guard has known for two years about the Kosovo deployment. It is the first time this much advance notice was given for deployment. The hope is that it gives Guard members the opportunity to take care of personal responsibilities before leaving.

 

U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan also referenced the strength of the North Dakota Soldiers. "This new mission for the North Dakota Army National Guard is being given to the best National Guard unit in America," he said. "Their selection to command a large, multi-national NATO force to provide stability in a sensitive region of Eastern Europe is a great tribute to the men and women of the North Dakota National Guard. I salute them for their service, and I pray for the safety of their mission."

 

Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk addressed the crowd, praising the family and community who attended the event. "What a grand day – all of you represent what we are all about. We are the Guard family." Assuring the family's that they will be supported while their Soldier is gone, he said, "Our reputation precedes us. When North Dakota goes, they know they can trust that the job will got done and done well. You are the most well-trained, well-equipped and well-led Soldiers in the world."

 

As the ceremony was about to conclude, Brig. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, commanding general of Task Force Falcon 12, the American contingent of the NATO mission in Kosovo, said, "I am honored to be on this mission and proud to serve as your commander." Echoing the thoughts of many in the crowd, he said, "We are ready. It is time to go."

 

While in Kosovo, the Guard members will be making their presence known by being out in the communities and talking to people, mostly through interpreters. The Guard members will be deployed for 12 months. There still will be about 3,000 North Dakota National Guard members in the state after deployment.

 

 

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Since the terrorist attacks on America, the North Dakota National Guard has mobilized more than 2,800 Soldiers and more than 1,600 Airmen in support of the Global War on Terrorism. In recent months, nearly 2,000 North Dakota National Guardsmen were mobilized for flood fighting missions all across North Dakota. With a total force of about 4,400 Soldiers and Airmen, we have sufficient forces available to provide emergency response and homeland defense.

 

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20090712-A-6861K-055.jpg

Brig. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, 141 MEB Forward Commander, accepts a flag signifying command from Brig. Gen. Bill Seekins, Land Component Commander.

 

20090712-A-6861K-145.jpg

Brig. Gen. Alan Dohrmann, Gov. John Hoeven, Sen. Byron Dorgan, Mayor John Warford, Command Sgt. Maj. Cripe, and the Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. David Sprynczynatyk holds a state flag given by Hoeven.

 

For more information:

N.D. National Guard News Release

 

Photos, Videos & Other Updates:

• www.youtube.com/ndnationalguard
• www.flickr.com/photos/ndguard
• www.twitter.com/ndnationalguard
• Facebook page: North Dakota National Guard

 

 

LTC Rick J Smith
Public Information Officer
North Dakota National Guard
701-333-2007 Office
701-426-0190 Blackberry
701-400-3000 Personal Cell
rick.j.smith@us.army.mil

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Classification: UNCLASSIFIED
Caveats: NONE