Specialized Illinois National Guard Unit Mobilized for Afghanistan, Nearly 20 Soldiers Mobilize Jan. 3 As Part of an Embedded Training Team
SPRINGFIELD, IL (12/29/2010)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony is scheduled for approximately 20 Soldiers who will deploy to Afghanistan as part of an embedded training team. The ceremony for the Bilateral Embedded Staff Team A7 will be Jan.3 at 10 a.m. at the Illinois Military Academy at Camp Lincoln in Springfield.
The Bilateral Embedded Staff Team Soldiers will train for a brief time at Camp Atterbury, Ind. before deploying to Poland for approximately two months to train with the Polish Land Forces. The unique mission allows Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers to train and deploy side-by-side with their Polish counterparts. Following the training, the Soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan for a six-month mobilization. The Soldiers are from various parts of Illinois and were selected for the mission based on their training and skills.
"This mobilization illustrates the diverse skill sets and training of our Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers and the variety of missions we support in today's challenging international environment, as well as in our state and community," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "These troops are instrumental in helping train foreign Soldiers to defend their country all the while polishing our Guardsmen's skills."
The team will assist the Afghan government to extend its authority across the country, perform security operations and help stabilize the war-torn nation. The Soldiers will also mentor and support the Afghan National Army and support Afghan government programs to disarm illegally armed groups.
709th Medical Company Mobilizes for Iraq, Deployment Ceremony Scheduled for Jan. 4 for Peoria Army National Guard Unit
PEORIA, IL (12/30/2010)(readMedia)-- A deployment ceremony for approximately 75 Soldiers from the Peoria-based 709th Area Support Medical Company will be Jan. 4 at 11:30 a.m. at Pere Marquette, 501 Main St. in Peoria.
The Soldiers will train for a brief time at Joint Base Lewis McChord, Wash. before deploying to Iraq for approximately 10 months in support of Operation New Dawn. This operation is the new name for Operation Iraqi Freedom as the U.S. military continues to withdraw troops from Iraq.
The mission of the 709th will be to provide medical care for U.S. and coalition servicemembers in Iraq. The unit will also assist in evacuating injured personnel.
Some Soldiers with the 108th Sustainment Brigade in Chicago, 708th Medical Company in North Riverside and 710th Area Support Medical Company in North Riverside are deploying with the 709th. The Soldiers come from all parts of Illinois and parts of Iowa, with a majority of the servicemembers from the Chicago area.
The unit will be mobilized for approximately one year, returning home around Christmas of 2011.
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