10 years ago today, A Company, 28th Signal Battalion transitioned from the National Guard to federal active duty, and became the first element of the 28th Infantry Division to be activated to go into combat since WWII. This was the main paragraph in my farewell speech in front of our families and friends: A Company soldiers – we have been together for almost three years now and I feel that you are my family. I am proud to lead you as we make new history for our great Battalion and this great Commonwealth. You soldiers that stand here today will soon form a solid core of competency in this Battalion, the effects of which will be enjoyed for decades to come. You soldiers that stand here today should already be proud, for, as Thomas Paine said during the American Revolution, “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.” Ladies and Gentlemen – these soldiers are not the summer soldier or the sunshine patriot, nor, in today’s words, the weekend warrior. These soldiers are dedicated United States Army soldiers that have answered their nation’s call to duty. Im even prouder of these men and women today as I hear about them making this nation a better place through raising their families, working jobs, building businesses, continuing education, and some continuing to soldier on. Im a better person because of their friendship, and Ill never, EVER forget them or the experiences we shared.
Posted on: Thu, 14 Nov 2013 22:23:11 +0000