Aberdeen Shows Support for Air-Assault Company

Seventy-seven deploying members of the Maryland Army National Guard's 2-224th Assault Helicopter Battalion were treated to a heartfelt farewell ceremony at Aberdeen Proving Ground on Saturday morning.

The Maryland Army National Guard's 2-224th Assault Helicopter battalion is considered a celebrated battalion within the National Guard, and it will be deploying to Balad, Iraq to assist with Operation New Dawn.

“They're an air assault company,” said Adjutant General of Maryland, Maj. Gen. James A. Adkins when describing the 2-224th's mission. “They'll be lifting and flying around Iraq.”

Maj. Gen. Adkins was one of several dignitaries speaking at the ceremony, including Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown—himself a Colonel in Army's Active and Reserve Components.

“They carry the history of the famous 29th Division of World War I and World War II. They spearheaded the invasion of Normandy,” said Richard F. Jordan, a local military veteran of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam conflict. Jordan, 86, was one of many veterans that attended the ceremony simply to show support for the 2-224th.

“I'd go with them,” Jordan said.

Following a singing of the National Anthem and a prayer to bless the troops, the ceremony's distinguished guests spoke directly to 2-224th.

“Just a few words,” began Maj. Gen. Adkins, addressing those in attendance. “To the unit leaders, you have been given the opportunity to lead great American soldiers. Take care of them. To the soldiers, you have joined the long line of patriots who've served this nation and this state. Look out for each other, take care of each other.”

The one-hour ceremony concluded with several deploying individuals within the 2-224th being formally promoted.

Maj. Gen. Adkins and Lt. Governor Brown did not leave after the event's conclusion, instead choosing to remain in the Maj. Gen. Warren D. Hodges Armory for an hour after the event, personally connecting with soldiers, their families, and citizens of Aberdeen.

“The Governor and I attend all deployment ceremonies for the Guard. We want to remind the soldiers and their families that we're here to support them,” said Lt. Governor Brown.

“I feel good about being deployed,” said SPC Cecil McKenna.

McKenna, 20, was one of several members of the 2-224th promoted after the initial deployment ceremony concluded. McKenna's optimism for the 2-224th's mission matches that of his commanders, family, and Aberdeen Proving Ground community.

“I feel like there's a lot of expectation," he said. "But I'll live up to it.”