DELAWARE GUARD SENDS OFF HUNDREDS ON DEPLOYMENT

The Delaware National Guard held a deployment ceremony for 250 of the Delaware Army National Guard’s 198th Expeditionary Signal Battalion Soldiers at the Delaware State University Football Stadium in Dover, Del., August 3, 2019.

The Citizen Soldiers are scheduled to deploy to Southwest Asia in support of United States Central Command in Operation Inherent Resolve and will be away for nearly a year.

Delaware Governor John Carney and DNG Adjutant General, Brig. Gen. Michael Berry attended the event, along with U.S. Senator Tom Carper and Representative Lisa Blunt-Rochester, to see the service members off before they leave.

Hundreds of family members, well-wishers and support organizations were in the stands to show their support as well.

“What a tremendous showing of support and gratitude for the members of our Delaware National Guard family wo are answering the call, once again, to serve our nation overseas,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Berry, Adjutant General for the Delaware National Guard. “These men and women are about to embark on a journey that will undoubtedly enhance the proud heritage of the unit, as they serve alongside their active duty brothers and sisters”

In his address, Berry acknowledged the sacrifice that the family members of the deploying Soldiers are also making.

To the Soldiers in formation. All of us here today make a vow that we will support your families, as you support our nation,” said Berry. “We are proud of all of you and are looking forward to watching you perform your communications mission, keeping our combat formations linked together.”

The Guardsmen are trained to provide command, control and supervision of the battlefield for combatant commanders while deployed. Their mission will be to provide voice communication an information networks to the warfighter in the Army’s central area of operations.

Governor John Carney spoke to the members, highlighting this event as a celebration and as well as a sendoff.

“Most of all we’re here to celebrate you! You’re in great physical condition, your work ethic is second to none. Your technical skills and training are unsurpassed,” said Carney. “But more important than all that, you’re selfless and you are brave. You set the standard for the rest of us as Americans and Delawarians”

The 198th ESB members are scheduled to deploy later this August.