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O'Malley Pledges Support for Afghanistan-bound Troops

The governor spoke to the 1297th Combat Support Battalion during an Aberdeen deployment ceremony.

Gov. Martin O’Malley attended a deployment ceremony for Afghanistan-bound Maryland Army National Guard troops Sunday morning. 

Joined by several military dignitaries at Aberdeen Proving Ground, the governor thanked the 1297th Combat Support Battalion for their service and promised to keep things well at home. 

“A great state deserves a great National Guard. You live up to that standard every day. We will do our best to live up to yours. We owe it to you to do everything we can to look after your families, and pray for your safe return,” O’Malley said.

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“To your commanding officers, Lt. Colonel Gallagher and Command Sgt. Major Willett, we trust in your leadership and dedication. Accomplish your mission and bring your soldiers home safely," O’Malley said. "To the men and women of this battalion, thank you once more. There is a special camaraderie to the Maryland Army National Guard, one of friends, neighbors and family. Take care of each other. Your state and your families eagerly await your safe return.”

This was O’Malley’s second appearance at an Aberdeen Proving Ground deployment ceremony since February, when he briefly said "good luck" to the 1729th Field Support Maintenance company, who were bound for Iraq.

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Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown spoke during another deployment ceremony for the 2-224th Assault Helicopter Battalion on Feb. 26.

More than 200 friends and families of departing soldiers attended the 1297th’s ceremony. Attendance at deployment ceremonies has recently grown with increased volunteer interest from groups including Operation Homefront, as well as political interest from Maryland’s highest seats.

“I just hope for a safe and speedy return,” said Erica Henderson, an acquaintance of the 1729th’s Jamal Jacobs.

Henderson was nearly speechless with grief while watching Jacobs get on one of the two buses waiting outside of the recreation center.

As with other recent deployments from APG, the 1729th have known that they would be going to Afghanistan for “at least a year,” according to legal sergeant Tarteasha Williams, 37, who has been in the Army National Guard since 2003.

“We’re there to support the mission in Afghanistan, but we can’t talk about what we’ll be doing,” Williams said.

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