COLUMBUS, Ohio – Just five days before Christmas, about 50 soldiers from the Ohio Army National Guard headquarters and the battery of the headquarters are to be deployed for a year in support of the European Command of the States United Sunday.
The soldiers are part of the 174th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, located in Columbus.
A ceremony was held at 9 a.m. and aired live due to COVID-19 concerts. Click here to see the ceremony.
“Who is deployed five days before Christmas? You do. Who answers the call five days before Christmas, willingly, a volunteer force? “said Major General John C. Harris, Jr. that this nation has come together with a voluntary force. “
Gov. Mike DeWine recorded a video that would be played at the ceremony, thanking the soldiers for their service.
“We are very proud of all of you for your service as members of the 174th Ohio National Guard Air Defense Artillery Brigade,” DeWine said. “We wish you well in your mission abroad and thank you for responding to the call to service.”
The European Deterrence Initiative, where soldiers are being deployed to serve, is intended to “improve the U.S. deterrent stance, increase the preparedness and responsiveness of U.S. forces in Europe, support the defense col · and strengthen the security of NATO allies and partners. “
The unit has previously been deployed in Germany in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve in 2018. Some parts of the unit have also been deployed as central elements of the working group in 2009, 2012 and 2017. The unit also has been mobilized to support the United States Central Command from 2008 to 2013..