Local Guard Unit Goes To Active Duty
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
As they have since 1846, members of the 1st Battalion 293rd Infantry, Indiana Army National Guardsmen mustered for active duty Sunday.
Company A, 80 local men and 45 from the Angola area, assigned to the Warsaw Armory, reported to Camp Atterbury Monday to begin two weeks training. After a Thanksgiving leave they will be stationed at Fort Knox, Ky., where they will receive further orders.
National Guard members and their families gathered at the CR 350N facility in Warsaw to attend a family support program yesterday.
"I know you have questions," said Lt. Col. Ivan Denton, commander of this unit. "Like, 'Where are we going?' I wish I had the answer for you. 'How long will we be on active duty?' Your orders indicate 365 days. Your service may last two months, six months or the entire year. 'What are we going to do when we get there?' Again, I don't know."
The Guardsmen could participate in Operation Noble Eagle, a homeland defense program. Noble Eagle Guardsmen would fill the regular Army positions, defend bases or guard power plants, according to public relations specialist Lt. Col. Daniel Gardner.
They also might be assigned to Operation Enduring Freedom, which is associated with the fight against terrorism outside the continental United States.
"I know this is a bittersweet time," Denton said, as couples linked arms and whispered to each other. "I'm 38 and I've been doing this all my life."
Soldiers' parents and children sat quietly as general information was given about basics of payroll, medical assistance, legal services and media relations.
Families were urged to register with Kosciusko County's Red Cross Chapter.
The 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry is headquartered in Fort Wayne. Nicknamed "Night Fighters," the battalion (a unit of 600 to 700 soldiers) is part of the 76th Infantry Brigade. The brigade is one of only 15 enhanced readiness brigades in the nation. As an enhanced brigade, it is a vital component of the nation's defense strategy. Because of this high priority, the unit receives more funding than other guard units.
This means more schooling, training opportunities and the fielding of the latest equipment for the battalion. [[In-content Ad]]
As they have since 1846, members of the 1st Battalion 293rd Infantry, Indiana Army National Guardsmen mustered for active duty Sunday.
Company A, 80 local men and 45 from the Angola area, assigned to the Warsaw Armory, reported to Camp Atterbury Monday to begin two weeks training. After a Thanksgiving leave they will be stationed at Fort Knox, Ky., where they will receive further orders.
National Guard members and their families gathered at the CR 350N facility in Warsaw to attend a family support program yesterday.
"I know you have questions," said Lt. Col. Ivan Denton, commander of this unit. "Like, 'Where are we going?' I wish I had the answer for you. 'How long will we be on active duty?' Your orders indicate 365 days. Your service may last two months, six months or the entire year. 'What are we going to do when we get there?' Again, I don't know."
The Guardsmen could participate in Operation Noble Eagle, a homeland defense program. Noble Eagle Guardsmen would fill the regular Army positions, defend bases or guard power plants, according to public relations specialist Lt. Col. Daniel Gardner.
They also might be assigned to Operation Enduring Freedom, which is associated with the fight against terrorism outside the continental United States.
"I know this is a bittersweet time," Denton said, as couples linked arms and whispered to each other. "I'm 38 and I've been doing this all my life."
Soldiers' parents and children sat quietly as general information was given about basics of payroll, medical assistance, legal services and media relations.
Families were urged to register with Kosciusko County's Red Cross Chapter.
The 1st Battalion, 293rd Infantry is headquartered in Fort Wayne. Nicknamed "Night Fighters," the battalion (a unit of 600 to 700 soldiers) is part of the 76th Infantry Brigade. The brigade is one of only 15 enhanced readiness brigades in the nation. As an enhanced brigade, it is a vital component of the nation's defense strategy. Because of this high priority, the unit receives more funding than other guard units.
This means more schooling, training opportunities and the fielding of the latest equipment for the battalion. [[In-content Ad]]