This week, we will say goodbye to Newton’s 1st Battalion, 204th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, as they are answering the call to duty.
Special Sgt. John Mason, spokesperson for the Newton branch of the Army National Guard, said the one group will be headed to Washington, D.C., to provide to perform short-range air defense of the nation’s capital. This will be the fourth rotation defending the National Capital Region and the first since an 11-month mission during 2015 and 2016.
The other will be headed for a training mission “in the European theater.” Those headed there will be participating in the European Deterrence Initiative.
We know that our men and women have been training for their missions, and we wish them the best in completing them. We pray that all will return safely after they have completed their call to action.
As they are on mission, we also ask you to support the families who will be separated from the members of the unit. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Hug them, and send them notes of encouragement. Do what you can to support them during this stressful time.
