FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
It is a ceremony observed by so many Service members in the last several years. A small formation of Soldiers marches to the center of a gym basketball court with their friends and family gathered around them. A few kind words are spoken, and the Soldiers move out for deployment.
Twenty-one Soldiers from the 358th Automated Cargo Documentation Detachment, 10th Transportation Battalion, 7th Sustainment Brigade departed for a year-long deployment after a ceremony at Fort Eustis'
McClellan Fitness Center, June 7.
The "Scan Devils" will deploy to the northern region of Afghanistan in support of cargo operations and the documentation of movement in and out of country. Their focus will be on those troops coming back home as the Afghan Army takes over combat and sustainment operations in their country.
During the deployment, they will also be responsible for performing documentation services in support of theater asset visibility. The Soldiers will manage cargo being containerized and break-bulk cargo being loaded and discharged.
Col. Lawrence Kominiak and Command Sgt. Maj. Tony Escalona, the 7th Sus. Bde. commander and command sergeant major, respectively, shared their feelings and experiences from their recent deployment to Afghanistan with the "Scan Devils" before the start of the ceremony.
"We did our year, but you are doing something more important than us.
You are closing the chapter in Afghanistan," said Kominiak. "You are going to see Soldiers coming in and out but more going out, including equipment, closing an historic chapter in United States history."
"You have to stick with your battle buddy," Escalona added. "There will be bad days and good days but that's when you lean on each other.
Don't leave one another alone."
Before they departed, Lt. Col. Kenneth Williams, 10th Trans. Bn. commander, shared his thoughts with the troops heading to Afghanistan.
"You will be supporting the warfighters in some of the most difficult logistical environments in the world. Know that your efforts there will assist the United States in helping Afghanistan be a free country. Mission success is bringing everyone back home to their families," said Williams. "Scan Devils, Waterborne, Resolute!"
After the ceremony, Soldiers received handshakes, hugs, kisses, goodbyes and "good lucks." Many Soldiers were not quite ready to leave home, but were proud nonetheless.
Pvt. 1st Class Maya Marshall, a logistics specialist with the 358th ACDD, said she is ready to do what needs to be done.
"I am sad but excited for this opportunity to see the world and do what my company needs for me to do. We had to get prepared to do a lot, physically and mentally but we got everything in order with training and live fire" said Marshall. "It is needed and it was worth it."