HARRISBURG, Pa. –
More than 300 Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers were honored during a deployment ceremony Dec. 17 at Zembo Shrine Auditorium as they prepare to deploy to the Horn of Africa.
The Soldiers, from 2nd Battalion, 112th Infantry Regiment, 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, are leaving their homes and families for a nine-month deployment. They will serve with Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa supporting U.S. Africa Command and partner forces with security objectives in the region.
“This mission is important on multiple levels, all the way from strategic down through the tactical level,” said Lt. Col. Eric Ponzek, commander of the 2-112th Infantry. “Ultimately, we’re reinforcing the strategic importance of our presence in East Africa.”
The Soldiers and their families were praised for their dedication to duty and selfless service. Gov. Josh Shapiro shared remarks during the ceremony, as well as Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, Col. Chris Costello, commander of the 56th SBCT, and Ponzek.
Other Pennsylvania National Guard senior leaders were in attendance, including Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, Deputy Adjutant General-Army, and Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack, the commanding general of the 28th Infantry Division, the 56th SBCT’s higher headquarters unit.
During the ceremony, the battalion’s colors, or a rallying flag, were cased and furled which formally signals that 2-112th Infantry is ready for their mission. The colors will be uncased when they take authority of their mission after they arrive in the Horn of Africa.
“What it boils down to is purpose,” Ponzek said. “Far too often these days it appears that everyone is kind of looking out for themselves. They’re worried about the individual. But the soldiers of this formation, from the newest private to the sergeant major, we really stress service over self, and they live it, they embody it and everyday I’m proud to be with them.”