34th Combat Aviation Brigade Deploys to Iraq



Over 700 Soldiers from the Minnesota National Guard gathered behind the curtain, to prepare for their grand entrance at the Minneapolis Convention Center on May 31. This was a big day for the troops of the 34th Combat Aviation Brigade; for after they rounded the curtain they were to officially become a part of Task Force 34, the next Army aviation asset to serve a combat tour in Iraq.

For some of the younger Soldiers, the nervousness kicked in and for others, the ceremony was routine. However, all of the Soldiers walked tall when the band played and the announcer cued their entrance. Many of the family members and friends clapped and shouted with pride as they caught a glimpse of their Soldier in formation. The Guard members moved promptly to their reserved section and many listened attentively as the distinguished visitors spoke to the Soldiers and their families and friends.

“Soldiers of Task Force 34, I am confident that we will succeed in our mission because I have seen your dedication and your devotion to duty and I know you will accomplish this mission in the true spirit and tradition of excellence of the Minnesota Army National Guard,” said Col. Clay R. Brock, Commander of Task Force 34.

“Meeting the challenges is nothing new for the Red Bulls,” said Major General Richard Nash, 34th Infantry Division Commander, “Throughout our 91 years, the citizen Soldiers of the 34th infantry Division have crafted a legacy and heritage that you can be proud of. I know that the Soldiers of Task Force 34 will carry on these traditions with pride and we will all look back with much admiration of what you will accomplish in Iraq.”

Many of the guests spoke about courage, honor and pride and others gave motivational advice to the Soldiers who could be leery about the days to come.

“When you stand for something larger than yourself, you become someone on whom others can rely,” said Lt. Col. Eric Waage, 834th Aviation Support Battalion Commander. “Have faith in yourselves and remember all the training you have accomplished and that yet to come.”

Other distinguished guests included Governor Tim Pawlenty, First Lady Mary Pawlenty, Senator Amy Klobuchar, Representative Betty McCollum, Representative John Kline, Brigadier General Joseph Kelly, Assistant State Adjutant General Minnesota Army National Guard and Major General Richard Nash, 34th Infantry Division Commander. As each of the guests was invited to the podium to address the Soldiers, many also addressed the family and friends of the Soldiers in the audience.

“The burden of deployment also rests with the strong and courageous families that we leave,” said Col. Brock.

“No Soldier can take on this responsibility alone,” said Major General Nash. “Behind every Soldier is the strong support of your family and loved ones, to the family members gathered here, I want you to know that we all sincerely appreciate the sacrifice that you are making in your personal life over the next year.

The Task Force will deploy to Ft. Sill, Okla. for approximately three months of additional deployment training and then to Iraq. The Soldiers are expected to return home summer of 2009.

By Sgt. Lynette Hoke
31 May 2008