FORT HOOD, Texas –
Soldiers from the 252nd Quartermaster Company, 213th Regional Support Group returned from a deployment to the Middle East April 5.
After arriving at Killeen-Fort Hood Regional Aiport, they spent about a week going through the demobilization process at Fort Hood before returning to Pennsylvania.
Assistant Adjutant General Maj. Gen. James McCormack, Deputy Adjutant General-Army Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh and other Pennsylvania National Guard leaders traveled to Fort Hood to welcome home Soldiers home.
During his visit, McCormack conveyed his deep gratitude and respect for the Soldiers’ unwavering commitment to serving their country. He expressed his appreciation for their sacrifices and recognized the challenges of leaving behind their families and employers to respond to the call of duty both domestically and abroad.
“The Soldiers of the National Guard represent the finest of us because of our willingness to respond when called upon both domestically and abroad,” McCormack said. “We leave our families and employers to serve others; this is one of the most noble attributes a person can have.”
McCormack emphasized the importance of leaders seeing the trials and tribulations that their Soldiers experience, in order to learn and grow as a team. He also highlighted the special relationship between Soldiers and their leaders in the National Guard.
“It is not often that GOs spend significant time with Soldiers serving at the company level,” McCormack said. “I cherish my ongoing engagements from the E4 to O3 level in the 252. I am confident most of my fellow Pennsylvanians understand and appreciate the sacrifices the Soldiers of the 252 have made for them.”
According to 1st Sgt. Crystal Jenkins, senior non-commissioned officer of the 252nd Quartermaster Company, the deployment presented challenges, but she expressed satisfaction that her Soldiers were able to carry out their mission. Jenkins also remarked that the presence of state leadership filled her with pride.
“The deployment was challenging but also rewarding,” Jenkins shared, “and it was great to see familiar faces and key leadership; the generals came and welcome us home.”
The 252nd Quartermaster Co. Soldiers departed Pennsylvania in early June 2022 for pre-deployment training at Fort Hood. During their deployment they provided general support to U.S. Central Command.