EAST ST.LOUIS, IL (08/09/2012)(readMedia)-- Ask a Soldier with the 1344th Transportation Company in East St. Louis if he/she has deployed and the answer will likely be "yes." Some may even say they have been deployed two or three times in their career. However, in the nearly 11 years since the military has deployed servicemembers in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, the 1344th has never been mobilized for an overseas mission.
"I have been with this unit for 19 years," said 1st Sgt. Cory L. Harbison of Mulkeytown. "Our flag has never flown overseas...but we still have a motivated group."
While the 1344th has never deployed, most of the Soldiers in the unit have been mobilized. In fact, Soldiers in the 1344th have supported more than 20 Illinois Army National Guard units that have mobilized since Sept. 11, 2001.
Many of the Soldiers are mentally prepared for a long-term deployment. Many are excited about the experience a deployment would bring the unit and for the opportunity to lead other Soldiers.
Capt. Matthew P. Wood of Springfield, 1344th company commander, said a majority of the Soldiers have been negatively impacted by the tough economic area of East St. Louis and are either working part-time or unemployed.
The Soldiers of the 1344th remain committed to being prepared for whatever comes their way.
"We are flexible to do whatever it takes," said Harbison. "We can meet any mission. We have no problems accomplishing any mission given in the past so I have no reason to believe we wouldn't continue that same success."
Some upcoming missions include homeland defense operations.
"We have our homeland security mission so we are always working on preparing ourselves," said Wood. "If the opportunity for a deployment arises we are going to be ready and we are going to be chomping at the bit, but that's a decision for echelons above me."
Regardless of the 1344th's future operations, there is one thing these Soldiers will always be committed to.
"We're just going to continue to drive like hell," said Wood.
Wood's goal, which happens to be the company motto, is something they are determined to succeed at regardless of where or what its mission is.
