ILLINOIS Approximately 190 Illinois Army National Guard soldiers mobilize for overseas mission
Illinois National Guard Public Affairs FEB. 8, 2023
Approximately 190 Soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard’s 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, based in Peoria, and Company B, 935th Aviation Support Battalion, based in Kankakee, mobilized for an overseas mission to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in a ceremony Feb. 7 at the 182nd Airlift Wing, in Peoria.
During the deployment the unit will provide aviation support to U.S. forces in the Middle East.
Stratton said for many of the Soldiers and their families, this deployment is a familiar turn on the road of life, but she wanted to remind the Soldiers and their families, whether it’s a first deploy- ment or just one more deployment, there are resources available for both Soldiers and their families if they are in need. “Both during the deployment and after you return, these resources are in place to help you,” she said. “There are nearly 200 organiza- tions with resources available to offer a no wrong door system of support. I’m proud that Illinois has a robust community dedicated to support our military community and our veterans.”
“In its 300-year history, every member of the Illinois National Guard has been always ready, always there to defend our homeland,” said Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker. “To the Soldiers of the 1st Assault Helicop- ter Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, you make us proud, includ- ing by standing at the forefront of innovation by field-testing the UH-60V Blackhawk helicopter. Your willingness helped enhance our military capabilities to take us into the future.” The UH-60V Blackhawk helicopter is an upgrade to the Blackhawk helicopter currently used by the U.S. Army, the UH-60L, with a comprehensive cockpit redesign which replaces the legacy analog instrumentation with a fully open, digital, and integrated avionic suite.
Stratton said the most important resource is the Soldier.
“You, your fellow Soldiers and families reach out to your family readiness groups, your chaplain network, your leadership team,” she said. “If you need assistance, reach out. We have seen what you contribute to our nation, and we want to give back.”
Pritzker also thanked the family, friends, and employers of the 106th’s Soldiers.
“Thank you to those who toiled in the background doing what is necessary to ensure the 106th was ready for this deployment,” he said. “The Illinois National Guard would not be able to complete its missions, from combat to emergency response, without your sacrifices. On behalf of Illinois, we are eternally grateful.” Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton told the Soldiers it was an honor to join family and friends to show her gratitude and commitment to supporting their service. “Thank you for everything you do for our nation, state and our communities,” she said. “Many of you deploying today have been down this road before. The 106th Aviation Battalion has been called to serve many times over the years for both its federal mis- sion and its state mission, responding to emergencies wherever you are needed.”
Stratton offered her heartfelt gratitude to the deploying Soldiers and their families.
“Being apart is not easy. I hope you draw on your faith to see you through,” she said. “Just know we stand with you and always will.”
Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois, and Com- mander of the Illinois National Guard, thanked everyone for attend- ing the ceremony. “We’ve recognized a lot of dignitaries and important people today,” he said. “But the most important people are the Soldiers standing in front of us who will deploy to the Middle East and support this mission and our country. The rest of us are just here to recognize and honor your amazing service and what you are about to do as you carry the flag of freedom around the world.”
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