150 PA National Guard soldiers honored March 14 at deployment ceremony

Approximately 150 soldiers with the Pennsylvania National were honored during a deployment ceremony at the Zembo Shrine in Harrisburg on March 14.

The soldiers being deployed are with the 131st Transportation Company, 228th Motor Transportation Battalion, 213th Regional Support Group. According to a release from the 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, the unit has been preparing for the last 18 months to depart for the mission, which will “provide critical logistical support to the Operation Atlantic Resolve mission by delivering equipment and supplies throughout the U.S. Army Europe and Africa area of operation.”

Family members, friends, and past members of the unit were honored alongside the deploying soldiers and “thanked for their love and support,” according to the release.

The U.S. Department of Defense website explains that Atlantic Resolve “provides rotational deployments of combat-credible forces to Europe to show our commitment to NATO while building readiness, increasing interoperability and enhancing the bonds between ally and partner militaries.”

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2014 and again in 2022, the U.S. has prioritized assisting Ukraine in defending its people, its land, and its independence although, according to the DoD website, “Operational Atlantic Resolve is part of a larger campaign that seeks to restore NATO to an alliance focused on deterrence and warfighting in Europe. NATO’s mission is to deter aggression and win decisively should deterrence fail. The U.S. will do our part, but it’s time for Europeans to take primary responsibility for conventional defense of their continent, including for security assistance to Ukraine.”

During the deployment ceremony on March 14, officers praised the soldiers’ commitment and service.

“These soldiers’ dedication has been unwavering, marked by long hours and meticulous effort to ensure both their skills and their equipment were brought to the highest state of readiness,” said Capt. Jason Hadley, commander of the 131st TC. “I commend each of you for your exceptional attitude and commitment to the mission.”

Col. Jeremy Coleman, commander of the 213th RSG, offered his thanks “to each service member and to every family member here today for your profound willingness to answer the call both here and across the sea.”

According to the release, generations of soldiers with the 131st TC have served overseas in support of other missions, including during the Korean War, Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.