Two batteries of the 1st Battalion, 204th Air Defense Artillery Regiment of the Mississippi Army National Guard based out of Newton were surrounded by family, friends and other community members as servicemen and servicewomen prepared to deploy during a mobilization ceremony at the Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium Friday morning.
Lt. Col. Anthony W. Morgan, commander of the 1-204th, and Brig. Gen. Stanley E. Budraitis, Assistant Adjutant General for the Mississippi Army National Guard, addressed the troops and gave them final charges as they prepared for mobilization on Saturday.
Morgan thanked everyone who came to support the regiment as they once again accepted their country’s call to duty.
“The soldiers before us today are the finest and best air defenders in the Army inventory,” Morgan said. “They are physically tough, mentally sharp, very intelligent, highly dedicated, highly motivated, loyal, dependable and ready for their mobilization training.”
Morgan said during training that his regiment achieved records for training. He said they received 100 percent goal on the visual aircraft recognition and general knowledge, achieved avenger recruitment qualification and 100 percent goal on avenger machine gun table 8 training.
He said they have a very diverse group that represents all races, ages and faiths.
“We have lawyers, teachers, nurses, accountants, clergy, welders, mechanics, students, pharmacists, pilots, farmers and even a rocket scientist,” Morgan said. “And that’s a true statement.”
He also thanked the family members that supported the soldiers who are deploying. And he made a promise.
“I promise to bring your soldier alive and well,” Morgan said. “I promise you that.”
Budraitis told the soldiers that the 1-204th is on a unique dual mission. One battery is headed to the capital region to defend the nation’s capital. Bravo battery is headed to Europe to do a traditional short range artillery mission.
“To the families, rest assured and know that your solider, your battalion and their leadership is prepared for this deployment,” Budraitis said. “They’re going to execute their mission and they’ll come back safely.”
Following the ceremony, men and women who will be deploying were dismissed to be with their families before they headed out for deployment.
