MonticelloLive

Over 2,800 Soldiers from Arkansas’ 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team marched in unison Thursday on the parade field at Camp Shelby in front of a large contingent of family, friends and distinguished guests. The farewell ceremony was the culminating event for over five months of training that began in Arkansas on October 1, 2007, and ends here over the next couple of weeks as the Brigade deploys to Iraq to begin their security mission.
 
In five months, these Bowie Brigade Soldiers have fired over 3.4 million rounds of ammunition, trained over 2,500 drivers, driven tens of thousands of miles and have gained an appreciation of the Arab culture, according to Maj. Gen. Jay Hood, commander of 1st Army—East.
 
“I want to recognize the Warriors standing on this field. These Soldiers are the epitome and the foundation of this Army; they represent all that is good about our Army and our nation. . . . .thank-you for your service,” said Hood. “The mission that the 39th will perform is critical to our forces in Iraq.”
 
Prior to his comments, Hood joined Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe and 39th Brigade commander, Col. Kendall Penn in an inspection of the troops. Riding in an open-air Humvee, the trio slowly passed by and saluted each of the five battalions—1/153rd Infantry Regiment, 1/206th Field Artillery, 217th Brigade Support Battalion, 2/153rd Infantry and the 1/151 Calvary—within the Brigade. Some 2,800 Soldiers, made up of men and women, from the Arkansas National Guard and almost every county across the state.
 
Over the loudspeakers, Lt. Col. Ricky Miller (event coordinator and moderator) described the events, “The Inspection of Troops dates back to the time of Alexander the Great.  It gives the commander an opportunity to inspect the fitness and readiness of his troops.”
 
And as Col. Penn would declare later in the ceremony, these troops are ready. And, the talent within the Brigade was highlighted even further as Staff Sgt. Johnny Brown, 1/153rd Infantry, stood before the leadership and his fellow Soldiers and sited the ‘Soldier’s Creed.’
 
“I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and I live the Army Values. . . . . . . .” he started. Brown was one of several non-commissioned officers who had competed for the privilege of saying the Soldiers Creed—a task done without the use of notes.
 
Also on display was the singing talent of Staff Sgt. Tammy Holman, who is assigned to 1123 Transportation Company, 1st Battalion, 206th Field Artillery Regiment. She gave a moving rendition of the National Anthem.
 
After the review of troops, Gov. Beebe had two messages for the Soldiers. The first focused on the pride of all Arkansans in regards to the job being performed by the 39th Soldiers. Secondly, he encouraged each to focus on the mission and to leave the family concerns to him and his staff.
 
“From countless men and women, boys and girls from across the state, the Northwest to the Southeast and the Northeast to the Southwest, millions of Arkansans would salute you if they were here, because they are indeed proud of you and your service to our state and nation,” said Beebe.
 
“And, the second part of my message is this—do your mission, take care of yourself and take care of each other.  Let us worry about your family back home.  Let us worry about the jobs back home, and let us worry about everyone back in Arkansas. We’ll take care of them,” a solemn governor said as he paused to look out over the 2,800 Soldiers amassed before him on the parade field. “You don’t need to be worried about your families. You need to worry about yourself and your comrades. Only by doing this . . . can you get back home safe, sound and quick, and that’s what we want. We want you to do your mission, and we want you to come home safe—safe and sound. God bless you.”
 
Before presenting his Brigade to the command in a pass and review, Col. Penn moved forward from his position on the parade field and stepped up to the podium. He first thanked the presents of the 106th Army Band (Troop Command Brigade) for their support of the ceremony. This was just another example of how the state leadership has worked hard to make this an ‘Arkansas deployment.’ Although the band was only providing support for the day, over 500 Soldiers in the formation standing before the Brigade commander were originally from Troop Command.
 
“Just a few months ago, these Soldiers were students, teachers, police officers, bankers, CEO and a myriad of other occupations, and today, they stand before you Soldiers—trained, ready professional forces, capable of carrying the fight to the enemy, defeating them and returning home victorious,” said Penn. “Since last April, they have forged themselves into a cohesive and well-trained formation and each of you should be proud of their accomplishments and proud to be called Arkansans along with them.”
 
Penn was equally appreciative of the sacrifices made by families and employers—a large part of what makes the National Guard successful today.
 
“Your sacrifice on behalf of the nation includes long separations, anxiety, fear, missed holidays and birthdays, as well as the loss of trained and valuable employees. I thank you for answering the call to duty along with the Soldiers,” said Penn.
 
And for those standing before him—the Soldiers—Penn summed up the Soldiers efforts over the last five months in three words before continuing on to thank them for their service—“You are ready!”
 
Having served along side them and participated in the same training at Camp Joseph T. Robinson, at the Fort Chaffee Maneuver Training Center and here at Camp Shelby, Penn definitely knows his troops readiness and dedication to this mission.
 
“I’ve watched you train using the best methods and equipment the Army has to offer,” he said. “And I’ve seen the resolve in your eyes—the resolve to go forward and stand for your nation and answer the call of duty. I’m proud of your accomplishments. I’m proud of your service, but most of all, I’m proud to be counted in your number. Bowie team.”
 
Taking his position back on the field, Penn was directed by Maj. Gen. Hood, “pass and review.”
 
Penn marched his staff forward and passed in front of the command—Gov. Beebe, Maj. Gen. Hood and Maj. Gen. William Wofford (Adjutant General of Arkansas)—before assuming his position on the reviewing line with his staff as the Brigade begins to pass before them.
 
Lt. Col. Brad Cox, commander of 1/153rd Infantry, lead the procession with his battalion—the largest of the brigade—as he passed in front of the command and rendered his salute. Followed in turn by the other battalions, the crowd cheered as they spotted their loved ones.
 
This was, yet another, historical event for the 39th Brigade made special by the presence of thousands of family members and friends. And, as the final Soldiers marched off the field, those that had driven so long to see them anxiously scurried away from the parade field and headed to the company area of their Soldier to begin their final goodbyes. Each Soldier was given at least a one-day pass immediately following the event in order to say their final goodbyes.
 
While there is still some training to be conducted at Camp Shelby, the 39th Brigade has come a long way since October 1, 2007 and are preparing to go a long way at some point over the next couple weeks—Iraq.

Story provided by Maj. Craig Heathscott, Public Affairs Officer, 39th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.