COLUMBUS, Ohio – Just five days before Christmas, about 50 soldiers from the Ohio Army National Guard headquarters and headquarters battery will spend about a year on Sunday in support of the US European Command.
The soldiers are part of the 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, based in Columbus.
A ceremony was held at 9am and streamed live due to COVID-19 concerts. Click here to view the ceremony.
‘Who’s putting in five days before Christmas? You do. Five days before Christmas, who answers the call willingly, an entirely voluntary force? “said Major General John C. Harris, Jr.” I know, you did not sign up for this mission, you were called to this mission, but you are part of an all volunteer force and no other country in the world would military force that this nation has gathered with an entirely voluntary force. “
Gov. Mike DeWine recorded a video to be played during the ceremony and thanked the soldiers for their service.
“We are so proud of you all for your service as a member of the Ohio National Guard’s 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade,” said DeWine. “We wish you the best of luck in your overseas mission and thank you for answering the call for service.”
The European Deterrence Initiative, for which the soldiers are deployed, is intended to “ strengthen the attitude of US deterrence, increase the readiness and responsiveness of US forces in Europe, support the collective defense and security of NATO allies. and enhance security. and capacity of US allies and partners. “
The unit has previously been deployed to Germany in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve in 2018. Parts of the unit have also been deployed as task force headquarters in 2009, 2012 and 2017. The unit has also been mobilized in support of the US Central Command from 2008 to 2013 .