National Guard Soldiers Get Community Wide Sendoff And Support

AMORY, MISS. (WCBI) – More than one hundred National Guard soldiers of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team are preparing to mobilize in support of “Operation Spartan Shield.”

Members of a battalion headquartered in Amory were treated to lunch along with a ceremony of appreciation.

Like his fellow citizen soldiers, Sergeant Ambrose Walker appreciates the prayers, well wishes and support as members of the 1st Squadron, 98th Cavalry Regiment prepare for deployment.

“It makes me feel good, I’m very thankful for what these guys are doing, we couldn’t ask for anything better,” Sgt Walker said.

When he’s not wearing the green uniform, Sergeant Walker dons the blue uniform as a Tupelo Police Officer.  Although this is not his first deployment, Walker’s Dad says it never gets easier.

“There’s so much going on in the world, like I tell him, always put God first, and once you put God first, everything will be alright,” said Ambrose Walker, Sr.

The soldiers have trained for three years preparing for potential deployments.  The 1st Squadron, 98th cavalry regiment is part of the 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team.   They will help deter and react to possible threats in the Mideast Region.

Lieutenant Colonel Glenn Adams is squadron commander . He says this deployment means more responsibility .

“Some of us that deployed our first time back in Desert Storm and all, we were that Private, that Junior Officer and now fast forward almost 30 years and we’re the guy who has taken over, there’s a lot more burden as far as now, we’re responsible for 600 people, rather than just myself,” Lt. Col Adams said.

For Sergeant Major Dwight Brown, leaving his family and way of life for a year is tough, but he says the soldiers benefit from the mission.

“A lot of training opportunities to better prepare soldiers, whereas just being here on Guard status, just one weekend a month, when you deploy you have plenty of time to better yourself, train and education,” said Sgt Major Brown.

Governor Phil Bryant, and first lady Deborah were at the luncheon, along with secretary of state Delbert Hosemann and other elected officials.

That send off ceremony and lunch was sponsored by Community Bank.   The soldiers will spend a few weeks at Fort Bliss Texas,  then on to Fort Irwin California before heading to Kuwait.