0 vLAMAACK continued from page 5 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 rm Up t Wa rea ith G -Go! W -To Meals 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 jodeans.com 2809 Broadway Ave., Yankton 605-665-9884 Monday-Thursday 11AM to 9PM Friday & Saturday 11AM-10PM Sundays 10:30AM-9PM Family Owned Since 1971 Call & Order Ahead 4 $ 00 665.9884 Meals To Go Morning, Noon & Night ~Choose from... •Chicken•Catfish •Walleye Includes mashed potatoes and gravy and steamed vegetable p Pick U thly n Your Mo ar With nd l $4 Cale iona Addit cials Spe ur k Out Oo! Chec s To G Salad HISVOICEvJANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019v9