Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers set to deploy to the Middle East
Story by 2nd Lt. Enjoli Saunders
EDGEWOOD, Md. – Maryland Gov. Wes Moore spoke to Maryland Army National Guard Soldiers and their family members, friends, and co-workers during a deployment ceremony February 6, 2023, at Weide Army Heliport located on Aberdeen Proving Ground – South. Approximately 70 Soldiers and seven CH-47F Chinook helicopters assigned to Bravo Company, 3rd Battalion, 126th Aviation Regiment, deployed to support Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield in Southwest Asia where they will conduct air assault, air movement, and logistical resupply missions.
U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Timothy Gowen, the adjutant general of Maryland, hosted the ceremony, which was attended by Maryland National Guard senior leaders and distinguished guests.
“Bravo Company is a ‘tip-of-the-spear’ unit, and they’ve always succeeded in their missions,” said Gowen. “We are extremely proud of how these Citizens-Soldiers are always ready to serve their state and nation. Their sacrifice, as well as that of their families, will not be forgotten as we eagerly await their safe return home.”
Over the past 10 years, Bravo Company Soldiers deployed multiple times to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. They have also supported domestic operations including Hurricane Florence in South Carolina, where they evacuated 64 people and 9 animals, as well as transported over 118,000 lbs. of emergency aid and cargo. Additionally, they supported the recovery efforts in Maryland after the Ellicott City flood in 2016 and Oakland Dam overflow in 2007.
Nearly 200 family members and friends who attended the ceremony were able to tour the helicopters in the Ruth Army Aviation Maintenance Facility hangar. The 229th Army Band performed the ceremonial music and the Yellow Ribbon Program provided gifts and resources for everyone in attendance.
“It was really nice having the Governor come out, hearing the band, and seeing everybody together,” said Alison Miller, fiancéé of U.S. Army Capt. Gerald A. Foster III, a CH-47F pilot. “I’m happy but obviously there’s a little bit of sadness in there, hopefully the year goes by fast. He is very deliberate with how he does things, good with planning and very thorough. I know that everyone is going to be in good hands.”
Gov. Moore, a U.S. Army and commander-in-chief of Maryland, was able to speak personally about what this deployment means to the Soldiers and their families since he deployed with the 82nd Airborne Division.
“What an honor it is to be here with you Bravo company, “ said Gov. Moore. “Thank you for stepping up when the state and when this country asked. Thank you for raising your hand when it’s not the easy thing to do. Thank you for when our country says that it needed you now, that you did not ask the country to wait. That you stepped up, that you served, and I wanted to let you know that this state appreciates you with everything in us.”