Miller High Life Theater Downtown Milwaukee

 

Hello Friends,

 September 30 at the Miller High Life Theater in downtown Milwaukee, we enjoyed the ceremony for the deploying Soldiers  that will support Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa - mission to enhance partnerships and stability in the region. 

This deployment is a 'history making' deployment. I will share why in the comments below. 

 Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general, speaks during a formal sendoff ceremony for approximately 280 members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

“Today marks the first time that a Wisconsin unit is deploying into the African theater on Title 10 as you are about to write a new page in Wisconsin history,” Knapp said. “The world is at a critical juncture, and our adversaries are looking to expand their corrupting grasp across the globe. The 157 and 357 will play a key role in stemming these attempts by our adversaries.”

According to CJTF-HOA, Russia and China have long sought to increase their influence across the African continent. Violent extremist organizations such as terrorist groups and pirates are also among U.S. adversaries in the region.

“Partnerships are, and will continue to be, the key to success in an open and orderly world,” Knapp said. “Your actions abroad will have a direct effect on the security of our homeland, on the safety and prosperity of our friends, families, coworkers and neighbors.

“I have the utmost faith and confidence in you as fellow Wisconsinites and Guardsmen,” Knapp continued. “Trust in your leaders as I do. Trust in your training, trust in yourselves. You do have the training, you have the character, and you have what it takes.”

 Highlights from the Governor of Wisconsin, Tony Evers.

“Folks, this is a team and community effort,” Evers said, “from your families who sacrifice so much, to your employers and communities who are losing dedicated and talented folks like yourselves while you’re away — but we’re all behind you 100 percent in this and every mission you take.”

Highlights from Command Sgt. Maj. Duane Weyer, the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

“Some Soldiers in this formation will find this deployment to be the pinnacle of their military careers, regardless if their career is six years or spans multiple decades,” Weyer said. “Soldiers will also come home with an appreciation for their new family, the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade family. Lifelong friendships will be woven on a different continent that can stand the test of time, and will stand the test of time.”

Weyer said Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers will work in an environment that includes not only personnel from other U.S. military branches, but service members from partner nations. They will also gain a better understanding of the cultures and complexities inherent to afflicted regions of the world.

“The opportunity to work within such a diverse environment is invaluable, and we will be a better-rounded organization because of it,” Weyer said. “I look forward to the days when we will return your Soldiers home to their families and friends. Until then, we remember our heritage, cultivate our culture and prepare to make history.”

 Highlights from Col. Eric Leckel, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade

Leckel quoted U.S. Olympic hockey coach Herb Brooks, who led an amateur U.S. hockey team to victory against the Soviet Union in the 1980 winter Olympics.

“’Great moments are born out of great opportunity,’” Leckel said, citing Brooks’ quote. “And that’s what we have here tonight. I believe this is our great opportunity, and I cannot wait to see what each and every member of the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade is going to accomplish throughout the next 10 months.”

 

We found our Sam after the ceremony. 

♥