Hastings, Minn.-Local dignitaries, friends and family members gathered in Hastings May 4 for a farewell ceremony for C Company, 834th Aviation Support Battalion. The unit will be activated early this summer in support of contingency operations with Operation Iraqi Freedom.
With sirens blaring from police, ambulance and fire trucks, a school bus carrying C Company was escorted from the Hastings Armory to the high school. Well wishers cheered as the Soldiers moved into the high school for the ceremony.
“The time has come to carry the cause of freedom,” Lt. Col. Eric Wagge, battalion commander, said to the company.
“You’re trained, you’re ready, you’re eager to contribute,” Wagge said. “To everyone here today, I ask each of you to continue in your dedication and your commitment to the United States of America. You are all great Americans, servicemembers and families alike.”
Also speaking to the crowd was State Senator, Katie Sieben, Hastings Mayor, Paul Hicks and Company Commander, Capt. Kent Kogler.
Father James Perkl from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church did the invocation and benediction.
When deployed, C Company will be part of Task Force 34, a brigade-sized aviation unit headed by the Minnesota National Guard's 34th Combat Aviation Brigade from St. Paul.
The 834th Aviation Support Battalion is an Army National Guard battalion that provides logistics, transportation, medical, maintenance and communications support for the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade. C Company specializes in installation and maintenance of voice and data signal equipment.
By Master Sgt. Edwin Holt, Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs
May 4, 2008
