SPRINGFIELD, IL (05/16/2015)(readMedia)-- Five Soldiers with Illinois Joint Forces Headquarters' Bilateral Embedded Staff Team (BEST) A15 were recognized during a mobilization ceremony May 15 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield, Illinois.

The Soldiers will train for a brief time at Fort Bliss, Texas, before deploying to Afghanistan. The unique mission allows Illinois Army National Guard Soldiers to train and deploy side-by-side with their Polish counterparts. The Soldiers are from various parts of Illinois and were selected for the mission based on their training and skills.

"Our 20-year partnership with Poland is the strongest National Guard State Partnership Program in the nation," said Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei of Springfield, Illinois, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "Illinois Soldiers and Airmen are instrumental in developing secure international relationships, while broadening their experiences and developing their military skills."

Lt. Col. Michael Beierman of Monee, Illinois, Commander for BEST A15, said the families of those deploying should be proud of their Soldiers and thanked them for their support.

"Illinois has a strong historical partnership with Poland, now we, and you are all a part of that great history," said Beierman. "Be proud that your Soldiers can claim a part of this history, be strong, and before you realize it, we'll be coming home."

The team is expected to return to Illinois in spring 2016.

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