Republic file photo Indiana National Guard soldiers are stationed at Camp Atterbury.
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana National Guard soldiers with the 819th Firefighter Detachment, headquartered at Camp Atterbury, said goodbye to family, friends and special guests during a departure ceremony Tuesday at the Indianapolis International Airport.
About 10 soldiers, who specialize in firefighting techniques to save lives, property and military equipment, will deploy to Romania in support of Operation European Assure Deter and Reinforce for approximately nine months.
“We are focused and ready to do the best job we can not only for ourselves, our families, but also the great state of Indiana,” said Staff Sgt. Tyler Putnam, who will lead the firefighting team. “We look forward to working with our other detachments from multiple states.”
The Hoosier Guard soldiers will join other National Guardsmen with firefighter detachments from Ohio, Nebraska, Puerto Rico and Montana. Over the last year they’ve been planning and preparing for the deployment. Within the last two weeks, the Hoosier Guardsmen conducted training and soldier readiness activities with the troops from the other states at Muscatatuck Training Center.
“Staff Sgt. Tyler Putnam, along with leadership from the 219th Engineer Brigade, briefed Indiana National Guard leadership on the training and personnel preparations conducted to reach this point in the mobilization. It is clear to all of us that you are fully capable of carrying out this mission,” said Brig. Gen. Cathy Eaken, the 38th Infantry Division deputy commanding general for sustainment, in her ceremony speech.
Collectively, the firefighting soldiers share a wealth of knowledge and experience. Four soldiers are also civilian firefighters, two recently returned to the Hoosier state following their advanced training and several have previously deployed overseas.
“I have no doubt that each and every one of you will make Indiana, the Hoosier state, proud of your service to our country, and I am honored to know you’ll serve us well as ambassadors of the Indiana National Guard,” said Eaken.
The soldiers will help support the United States’ goal of deterring aggression and maintaining stability in the European theater.
This is the second deployment for the 819th, the first was to Afghanistan in 2011.
