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Bravo Battery has quickly prepared for its upcoming mission, LaMaack
said.
“Really, we only got notified at the end of August that we were
definitely going,” he said.
Since receiving its deployment notice in August, Bravo Battery
conducted continuous coordination with two parties: the mobilization
site in Fort Bliss, Texas, and the European theater for Operation
Atlantic Resolve.
The mobilization involved two massive undertakings, LaMaack
said. The unit completed documentation, trained personnel and
shipped equipment to South Carolina for eventual transport by boat to
Germany.
Bravo Battery couldn’t conduct mobilization training with its
equipment enroute to Europe, so all of the Alpha Battery, FSC and
other equipment was shipped down to Fort Bliss. LaMaack described
the entire process as “ash and trash.”
“In 3 ½ months, we had to get a unit out the door,” he said. “At the
same time, we ended up with an extended amount of training days in
the months leading up to our deployment.”
LaMaack credits his unit with a mixture of veterans with combat
experience and newcomers with youthful enthusiasm. They also bring
their civilian skills into the mission.
“Those senior NCOs who have been on these other deployments
are so valuable for the experience. For some of them, this has been
their fourth mobilization. Having that knowledge, and people who
have been in the Guard for close to 20 years, to support us during this
whole process, I don’t know if we could have done this without them,”
he said.
“That’s not to take away from the younger troops. We have kids
that have gotten done with their AIT (advanced individual training)
and now, a month later, they’re getting ready to go over to Europe. So,
being able to provide that kind of commitment to your unit, state, and
country is huge.”
Home Support
LaMaack sees the mission as providing important opportunities for
both the U.S. troops and their allies.
“Every unit has its own way of doing things, just like every person
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does,” he said. “We’re getting the opportunity to work with other
people and seeing other ways to tackle a problem.”
The mission is conducted not only overseas but also on the home
front, LaMaack said. In that respect, he credits the Yankton area as
providing total backing for the effort.
“It’s huge. This is by far the most supportive community that I’ve
ever seen for a National Guard unit,” he said. “You can’t beat it, and
having that community support just gives a peace of mind to those
soldiers as well. If something happens, you have a strong community
support that’s willing to help out those service members and their
families.”
During the December activation ceremony, LaMaack stressed
the importance of support back home. Yankton and surrounding
communities have already provided tremendous patriotism and
participation, he said.
“This community, the employers and families are the true backbone
for us being able to accomplish this mission,” he said.
Strong home support can be accomplished even in small gestures
and asking if the families are doing well and have any needs, LaMaack
said.
In turn, the troops can focus on their mission and enjoy peace of
mind knowing their families are taken care of,” he added.
“Thank you to the families for your endless support, thoughts and
encouragement of your soldiers,” he said. “You truly are America’s
unsung heroes. We couldn’t do it without you.”
LaMaack said he looks forward to Operation Atlantic Resolve. Most
commanders lead a unit for two years, so he expects his Bravo Battery
command will end shortly after the troops return home.
“There will be a tremendous amount of bonding. We’ll be working
hard together for nine months overseas,” he said. “It’s going to be a
great experience. It’s an honor to be their commander.”
LaMaack asked that Yankton and the surrounding region continue
its backing of the unit during the mission.
“We’re certainly really proud of the community and the way they
have supported us and our families,” he said.
“Keep us in your hearts and prayers, and we’ll see you when we get
back.” n
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