“It’s go time. Go be great.”
With those words from Maj. Gen. Rodney Boyd, The Adjutant General of Illinois, and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, approximately 15 Soldiers from the 1886th Engineer Facilities Detachment, based in Springfield, were mobilized to deploy to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of Operation Spartan Shield at a ceremony April 15 at the Illinois Military Academy on Camp Lincoln in Springfield.
“Each deployed mission has its own unique requirements, but they all start with the same thing. Soldiers who are willing to leave their loved ones home and to selflessly serve something greater than themselves,” he said. “Not everyone is willing to do that.”
During this deployment, the 15-member team is expected to provide environmental reporting, short and long-range facility work plans, and Department of Public Works level facility management in support of U.S. Central Command.
Boyd thanked the families of the deploying Soldiers.
“These amazing Soldiers cannot do what they love to do without your support,” he said. “We understand the sacrifice you are making at home to support your Soldier for this mission. Know you have the full force of our organization’s support and resources to assist you in any way until they return home and even after. Thank you for supporting these great warriors.”
State Sen. Doris Turner told the Soldiers she was excited to be part of their mobilization ceremony, not as an elected official as an individual with much respect and honor for the men and women who serve this nation.
“My family has a long list of military service, starting with my great grandfather, down to my grandfather, father, brother, cousins, and my nephew, who was the last casualty of Desert Storm,” she said. “I hold each and every one of you in my heart as you leave for your duty.”
The Soldiers have been preparing for the mission for more than a year and Boyd told them the training doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Thank you for all you have done to prepare for and to execute this mission,” he said. “You have already answered the most sacred call which is to serve, protect, and defend our nation and its citizens. Be proud of that because we are proud of you.”
Lt. Col. Darrin Dunsworth, Forward Facilities Detachment Commander, 1886th Engineer Facilities Detachment, said it was a privilege to serve alongside the mobilizing Soldiers.
“It has been my privilege to be with these Soldiers in preparation for this mission over this past year,” he said. “From my perspective, going out the door, we accomplished one of the most important missions – we are a team.”
Dunsworth also thanked the families.
“When we wear this uniform, we get recognized. You see it, people say ‘thank you for your service’,” he said. “Sometimes for us its awkward because we knew what we were getting into. It’s our job. We need to say that our families serve with us. So, to the families, thank you for your service and sacrifice. Over this past year, we’ve taken a lot of time away from you in preparation for this mobilization. It has allowed us to come together as a team and to me that was job one. We’re a small group and we must be united.”
Dunsworth’s wife, Cyndee, spoke with the Soldiers Sunday to share her perspective.
“For us it’s been 18 years of her service and my service,” Dunsworth said. “My wife told the Soldiers she is there for the families, even if it’s just to talk. She’s there to listen. Your Soldier will leave for a period and things will break or need to be repaired or replaced. Soldiers trust your families. Families trust your network and use your network with one another.”
Boyd told the Soldiers he expected three things from each of them while gone.
“Do more than is asked of you. Seize the opportunity to achieve greatness. Ask yourself what your legacy on this mission will be as an individual,” he said. “To the officers and noncommissioned officers, I ask you to lead. Take care of your Soldiers. Make the hard, right decisions and uphold the standards. These Soldiers and their families deserve your best. Lastly, take care of each other. You are trained. You are ready. You are professionals. Go do outstanding things.”