(WKYT) – Soldiers with the Kentucky National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment, known as the “Mountain Warriors,” held a departure ceremony in Woodford County before mobilizing for Southwest Asia.
Soldiers in uniform filled a high school gym floor, standing shoulder-to-shoulder for a final ceremony before deploying.
Governor, commander address troops
Gov. Andy Beshear addressed the soldiers at the ceremony.
“For the past three and a half years I have seen how amazing our Kentucky National Guard is. We have absolutely the best National Guard in the country. We’ve proven it,” Beshear said.
Col. Steven Engels, commander of the 75th Troop Command, told the soldiers that current missions require constant vigilance.
“Freedom of maneuver and navigation is certainly something that you should no longer take for granted. Today you carry on that legacy of answering our nation’s call,” Engels said.
Message to families
Engels also addressed families in the bleachers ahead of the coming separation.
“Families, I assure you that your soldiers have the necessary fortitude within them for the frontiers of the unknown that they will face in the upcoming months,” Engels said.
Families remained after the ceremony, spending time together before the deployment.
Engels told soldiers to rely on each other once they deploy.
“You have trained for this and are ready. Take care of your battle buddy, uphold the standard, and live our ethos,” Engels said.