As she was preparing to deploy for a year-long tour of duty in Kuwait with her National Guard unit, Lebanon County native Ashlee Ebling was filled with many mixed feelings.
“Yeah, it’s very emotional. A couple tears here and then,” said Ebling, of Jonestown, a 2016 Northern Lebanon High School graduate. “I’m sure tonight once I go home and we come back, there’ll be some tears flowing but I know she has a great support system at home. I have a great support system behind me, so I think we’re ready to go.”
Ebling and more than 140 members of her extended family in the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 3622nd Sustainment Maintenance Company deployed from Harrisburg International Airport on Sunday to Texas before heading to the Middle East.
LebTown spoke with Ebling about her pending deployment following a ceremony at the Zembo Mosque Shrine auditorium in Harrisburg on Saturday, Feb. 1. Following the ceremony, the soldiers had until 8 p.m. Saturday to spend with their loved ones before reporting to Fort Indiantown Gap, where the unit is based, for the evening. The unit was scheduled to depart HIA at noon Sunday.
The emotions, she said, were driven by the reality of being separated from husband Joshua Doster, a 2010 Northern Lebanon High School graduate, and 5-year-old daughter Ella.
“So I actually made jars that have beads in them so every night she’s gonna put one bead in one jar to say that mommy’s away,” said Ebling, as she held her daughter closely. “And then when we get home the jar will be filled up. And we kind of just talked to her, and said, ‘Mommy has to go to work for a while.’ She didn’t quite get it yet, but I think once we’re away, she will.”
Despite the knowledge that she would be away from loved ones the next year, Ebling said she’s ready to do her duty – a fact that contributes to the mixed emotions.
Part of the 728th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 213th Regional Support Group, the 3622nd SMC will serve with Task Force Spartan supporting U.S. Central Command with their mission of increasing regional security and stability in support of U.S. interests.
“I’m really excited. It’ll be something great, something new to do,” said Ebling, a generator mechanic. “A little hard with the family, leaving the daughter behind and my husband, but I think it’ll be a good experience to go do something different, get out there and actually serve my country.”
She’s motivated to serve her country by another factor.
“It’s very important. That’s why I joined, just to make sure everyone’s safe back home. With us, it makes it easier for you guys to sleep at night while we’re over there – and over there too,” said Ebling. “It’s not just about the United States, it’s about everybody. Just making sure everybody over there is safe and that they can feel protected.”
A nine-year military veteran, Ebling said it’s important to her to be part of a long-standing Lebanon County tradition of service by its residents to the nation.
“It means a lot to be able to actually continue the roots and the traditions and in this organization alone is very, very important,” she said. “It makes me feel very privileged to be able to do that.”
Joshua said he and other family members will be here to hold down the fort while Ashlee is overseas.
“I’m proud of her. I’m happy for her,” said Joshua, who goes by Josh. “I hope everything goes well. I’m hoping time goes by quickly. I feel like the first few weeks are going to be hard because I don’t think our daughter is going to understand right away. I don’t think it’ll kick in for her for a while.”
When LebTown asked Ella, wearing green pants and a shirt with a star, if mommy was her star, she turned away and put her head on her mother’s shoulder. Ashlee said Ella’s outfit is what her daughter refers to as “her uniform.”
It was noted during the deployment ceremony that the 3622nd Support Maintenance Company specializes in the maintenance of wheeled vehicles, communication, and electronics equipment, small arms repair, ground support equipment repair, as well as test measurement diagnostic equipment.
The company consists of four platoons – automotive and armament, electronics, ground support equipment, and company headquarters. Ashlee said she learned her job in the military and she explained some of her duties during her year abroad.
“So while we’re over there, I’ll actually be working on the generators and the wheeled vehicles. And a lot of paperwork. I’m good at paperwork, so they use me for that a lot,” said Ashlee. “I know I’m going to be sticking close by my sergeants and helping them throughout the whole thing, mostly.”
Major Bryson Meczywor, commander of the 728th CSSB, noted the critical nature of their service while deployed. Task Force Spartan is a unique, multi-component organization, made up of Regular Army, National Guard and Army Reserve units. Through Operation Spartan Shield, Task Force Spartan maintains a U.S. military posture in Southwest Asia sufficient to strengthen U.S. defense relationships and build partner capacity.
“Whether it’s ensuring the reliability of equipment, maintaining operational readiness or providing technical solutions under demanding conditions, your role cannot be overstated,” said Meczywor. “You are the backbone that keeps operations running smoothly.”
The soldiers and their families were praised for their dedication to duty and selfless service during the ceremony.
“As you embark on this mission, know that you carry with you the support and prayers of your loved ones, your leaders, and your country,” said Col. Jeremy Coleman, commander of the 213th RSG, during the ceremony. “We are immensely proud of each and every one of you. Your skills, professionalism, and resilience will undoubtedly make a significant impact wherever you go.”
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