SC Chinooks leave for deployment to Afghanistan
01.26.13Story by Staff Sgt. Tracci Dorgan, Joint Forces Headquarters- Public Affairs
EASTOVER, S.C.— The South Carolina Army National Guard’s Detachment 1, Company B, 2-238th Aviation, General Support Aviation Battalion, CH-47 Chinook unit, left McEntire Joint National Guard Base Jan. 26, for a year long deployment.
The Soldiers were joined by their family, friends and many distinguished leaders of the S.C. National Guard; wishing them a safe deployment and praising the unit in their training and preparation efforts.
“We are proud of you,” said Maj. Gen. Lester Eisner, deputy adjutant general for South Carolina. “You are a unique unit that is exceptionally trained. You are the workhorse of the Army and you have the capabilities to support the state of South Carolina and the country with whatever the mission needs.”
Col. Wallace Bonds, commander of 59th Aviation Troop Command, said, “You all have worked hard to get to this point. Soldiers, you are ready to represent South Carolina and our great nation, and families, thank you for your sacrifice.”
Immediately following the ceremony, the Soldiers said one last good-bye to their families before they boarded their Chinook and took-off from McEntire. The Chinooks were flying to Fort Hood, Texas, where they will make their final preparations for the unit’s mission in Afghanistan.
