1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:00,000 2 00:00:06,670 --> 00:00:08,892 Ladies and gentlemen , please take your 3 00:00:08,892 --> 00:00:11,369 seat . The ceremony will begin in two 4 00:00:11,380 --> 00:00:14,729 minutes as a courtesy . Please remember 5 00:00:14,739 --> 00:00:16,350 to silence your cell phone , 6 00:00:19,840 --> 00:00:22,770 passport . So how many of you all in 7 00:00:46,229 --> 00:00:49,619 task force ? Talk about great rest . 8 00:00:51,919 --> 00:00:54,141 Good afternoon , ladies and gentlemen , 9 00:00:54,141 --> 00:00:56,363 and welcome to the departure ceremony , 10 00:00:56,363 --> 00:00:59,020 honoring task force , Pacman . My name 11 00:00:59,029 --> 00:01:01,069 is Captain Mark Petty and I will be 12 00:01:01,080 --> 00:01:03,080 your master of ceremony for today's 13 00:01:03,080 --> 00:01:05,500 event on behalf of the leaders and 14 00:01:05,510 --> 00:01:08,319 soldiers of task force , Pacman . Thank 15 00:01:08,330 --> 00:01:10,720 you for joining us in Commemorating the 16 00:01:10,730 --> 00:01:13,089 upcoming deployment in support of the 17 00:01:13,099 --> 00:01:16,019 Horn of Africa . This ceremony is 18 00:01:16,029 --> 00:01:18,300 designated to publicly recognize our 19 00:01:18,309 --> 00:01:20,198 Pennsylvanian Army National Guard 20 00:01:20,198 --> 00:01:22,349 soldiers and families for their 21 00:01:22,360 --> 00:01:25,209 selfless service and dedication to duty 22 00:01:25,220 --> 00:01:27,387 for the mission that they are about to 23 00:01:27,387 --> 00:01:29,387 embark upon in defense of our great 24 00:01:29,387 --> 00:01:32,080 nation . At this time , we would like 25 00:01:32,089 --> 00:01:34,769 to extend a sincere welcome to our 26 00:01:34,779 --> 00:01:37,089 distinguished guests , the governor of 27 00:01:37,099 --> 00:01:39,319 Pennsylvania , the honorable Josh 28 00:01:39,349 --> 00:01:41,480 Shapiro , the First Lady of 29 00:01:41,489 --> 00:01:43,769 Pennsylvania . This is Laurie Shapiro , 30 00:01:44,389 --> 00:01:46,445 the first daughter of Pennsylvania , 31 00:01:46,445 --> 00:01:48,790 Miss Sophia Shapiro , Pennsylvania 32 00:01:49,069 --> 00:01:51,069 State Representative Thomas Coots , 33 00:01:51,349 --> 00:01:53,571 Pennsylvania State Representative Jamie 34 00:01:53,571 --> 00:01:56,410 Barton , the Adjutant General of 35 00:01:56,419 --> 00:01:58,419 Pennsylvania , Major General Martin 36 00:01:58,419 --> 00:02:01,290 Schindler , commanding general 28th 37 00:02:01,300 --> 00:02:03,467 Infantry division , Major General Mark 38 00:02:03,467 --> 00:02:06,510 mccormick , deputy Adjutant General 39 00:02:06,519 --> 00:02:09,279 Army Pennsylvania Army National Guard , 40 00:02:09,289 --> 00:02:12,770 Brigadier General Laura Mchugh , deputy 41 00:02:12,779 --> 00:02:15,449 Commanding General Maneuver 28 infantry 42 00:02:15,460 --> 00:02:17,789 division , Brigadier General Michael 43 00:02:17,800 --> 00:02:20,089 Blake Scheider command , senior 44 00:02:20,100 --> 00:02:22,460 enlisted leader , Pennsylvania National 45 00:02:22,470 --> 00:02:24,699 Guard Command , Sergeant Major Sean 46 00:02:24,710 --> 00:02:27,160 Phillips command , sergeant , major 47 00:02:27,169 --> 00:02:29,770 army Pennsylvania Army National Guard 48 00:02:29,789 --> 00:02:31,970 Command , Sergeant Major Andrew Camp . 49 00:02:32,729 --> 00:02:34,896 Also in our official party for today's 50 00:02:34,896 --> 00:02:37,259 ceremony is the commander of the 56th 51 00:02:37,270 --> 00:02:39,679 striker brigade combat team . Colonel 52 00:02:39,690 --> 00:02:42,440 Christopher Costello and the commander 53 00:02:42,449 --> 00:02:44,520 of Task force Pacman , Lieutenant 54 00:02:44,529 --> 00:02:48,009 Colonel Eric Fondant last but certainly 55 00:02:48,020 --> 00:02:50,242 not least , we would like to extend our 56 00:02:50,242 --> 00:02:52,353 deepest appreciation and gratitude to 57 00:02:52,353 --> 00:02:54,929 the families , friends and members of 58 00:02:54,940 --> 00:02:57,107 the Pennsylvania Army National Guard , 59 00:02:57,107 --> 00:02:59,399 both here and on our live stream . 60 00:03:00,070 --> 00:03:02,460 Ladies and gentlemen , we request those 61 00:03:02,470 --> 00:03:04,414 who are physically able to stand . 62 00:03:04,414 --> 00:03:06,637 Please rise for the national anthem and 63 00:03:06,637 --> 00:03:08,359 remain standing for the game . 64 00:03:14,929 --> 00:03:18,600 Ok , I change that 65 00:03:19,619 --> 00:03:20,250 are 66 00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:38,850 work arm para 67 00:04:39,899 --> 00:04:43,880 para threat . Please remain 68 00:04:43,890 --> 00:04:45,946 standing for the invocation given by 69 00:04:45,946 --> 00:04:48,640 Sergeant Ross Burns Task Force Pact and 70 00:04:48,649 --> 00:04:50,260 religious affairs Sergeant . 71 00:04:56,989 --> 00:04:59,156 I invite you to pray in your tradition 72 00:04:59,156 --> 00:05:02,820 because I pray in mine father in heaven . 73 00:05:03,170 --> 00:05:05,281 We thank you for your kind providence 74 00:05:05,399 --> 00:05:08,119 to bring us here this day . We pray 75 00:05:08,130 --> 00:05:10,309 that you use the ceremony to further 76 00:05:10,320 --> 00:05:13,089 unite us , strengthen our spirits and 77 00:05:13,100 --> 00:05:15,549 confirm in our hearts the good purposes 78 00:05:15,559 --> 00:05:17,980 you have for task force , accidents on 79 00:05:17,989 --> 00:05:20,269 this deployment . Bless us this day 80 00:05:20,279 --> 00:05:22,335 with wisdom and courage , keeping us 81 00:05:22,335 --> 00:05:24,335 under your care . It is in Christ's 82 00:05:24,335 --> 00:05:25,668 name . We pray . Amen . 83 00:05:30,619 --> 00:05:32,841 Thank you , Sergeant burns . Ladies and 84 00:05:32,841 --> 00:05:35,570 gentlemen , please be seated . Yeah , 85 00:05:38,200 --> 00:05:41,220 task force pac received notification to 86 00:05:41,230 --> 00:05:43,230 deploy and assume responsibility of 87 00:05:43,230 --> 00:05:45,397 security and response force operations 88 00:05:45,397 --> 00:05:47,452 for the combined joint task force in 89 00:05:47,452 --> 00:05:50,359 the Horn of Africa . Task force packing 90 00:05:50,429 --> 00:05:52,649 will conduct operations to enhance 91 00:05:52,670 --> 00:05:55,230 partner nation capability , promote 92 00:05:55,239 --> 00:05:58,100 regional stability to sway conflict and 93 00:05:58,109 --> 00:06:00,109 protect the United States coalition 94 00:06:00,119 --> 00:06:02,429 interests . Ladies and gentlemen , at 95 00:06:02,609 --> 00:06:04,720 this time , I would like to introduce 96 00:06:04,720 --> 00:06:06,380 the 54th Adjutant General of 97 00:06:06,390 --> 00:06:08,619 Pennsylvania , Major General Mark 98 00:06:08,660 --> 00:06:09,660 Schindler , 99 00:06:15,640 --> 00:06:18,420 Governor Shapiro , Major General 100 00:06:18,429 --> 00:06:21,480 mccormick , Colonel Costello team and 101 00:06:21,489 --> 00:06:24,359 distinguished guests , members of our 102 00:06:24,369 --> 00:06:27,100 task force , Paxton and our guard 103 00:06:27,109 --> 00:06:29,589 families . It's my honor to be with you 104 00:06:29,600 --> 00:06:32,839 today . We're proud to support this 105 00:06:32,850 --> 00:06:36,279 mission , but more importantly , we are 106 00:06:36,290 --> 00:06:38,510 incredibly proud to send this 107 00:06:38,519 --> 00:06:41,029 outstanding group of highly trained 108 00:06:41,040 --> 00:06:43,429 Pennsylvania soldiers to represent us 109 00:06:43,440 --> 00:06:46,260 overseas . You'll hear more about the 110 00:06:46,269 --> 00:06:48,380 mission from Lieutenant Colonel Ponzi 111 00:06:48,380 --> 00:06:50,589 in a few minutes . But as the Attorney 112 00:06:50,600 --> 00:06:52,822 General of Pennsylvania and head of the 113 00:06:52,822 --> 00:06:54,822 Department of Military and Veterans 114 00:06:54,822 --> 00:06:57,044 Affairs , I'd like to extend my sincere 115 00:06:57,044 --> 00:07:00,309 gratitude to all of you in this 116 00:07:00,320 --> 00:07:02,869 country . Serving is a choice . 117 00:07:04,140 --> 00:07:06,619 Each of you along with your families 118 00:07:06,630 --> 00:07:09,880 made a choice to protect and defend the 119 00:07:09,890 --> 00:07:12,760 Constitution of the United States along 120 00:07:12,769 --> 00:07:15,670 with our commonwealth . Many of you 121 00:07:15,679 --> 00:07:18,450 leave full time careers to embark on 122 00:07:18,459 --> 00:07:21,089 this mission . Many of you leave 123 00:07:21,100 --> 00:07:23,209 families with Children , 124 00:07:23,929 --> 00:07:27,160 spouses and loved ones to serve this 125 00:07:27,170 --> 00:07:30,809 mission and all of you leave the 126 00:07:30,820 --> 00:07:34,109 comforts of home and security to 127 00:07:34,119 --> 00:07:36,589 fulfill your duty to our country , 128 00:07:38,049 --> 00:07:42,029 for them . We are grateful . We are 129 00:07:42,040 --> 00:07:45,820 proud and we stand here today to 130 00:07:45,829 --> 00:07:48,380 salute you for your service 131 00:07:49,630 --> 00:07:53,519 to our families . We see you . We 132 00:07:53,529 --> 00:07:56,029 see the sacrifice you will make while 133 00:07:56,040 --> 00:07:58,720 your loved one is overseas and we are 134 00:07:58,730 --> 00:08:02,549 grateful for your support . Please know 135 00:08:02,559 --> 00:08:05,359 that if you need assistance during this 136 00:08:05,369 --> 00:08:08,649 time here , please . All you have to do 137 00:08:08,660 --> 00:08:11,130 is reach out and we'll be there . 138 00:08:12,429 --> 00:08:14,790 We are one Pennsylvania National Guard . 139 00:08:14,929 --> 00:08:18,190 We are one family and today we gather 140 00:08:18,200 --> 00:08:20,920 here to send our finest un deployment 141 00:08:21,170 --> 00:08:23,950 with full support and appreciation . 142 00:08:25,309 --> 00:08:27,429 I look forward to the day . Not long 143 00:08:27,440 --> 00:08:30,250 from now when we can gather again to 144 00:08:30,260 --> 00:08:32,969 welcome you all home from another job 145 00:08:32,979 --> 00:08:36,809 well done to Governor Shapiro . We 146 00:08:36,820 --> 00:08:38,987 appreciate the continued support we've 147 00:08:38,987 --> 00:08:40,931 given to the Pennsylvania National 148 00:08:40,931 --> 00:08:42,876 Guard . While this current mission 149 00:08:42,876 --> 00:08:44,764 stretches beyond our commonwealth 150 00:08:44,764 --> 00:08:47,369 borders , we see your consistent 151 00:08:47,380 --> 00:08:50,669 commitment to Pennsylvanians who serve 152 00:08:51,340 --> 00:08:53,869 and for that , we are all grateful . 153 00:08:54,989 --> 00:08:57,380 Thank you for being here today to be 154 00:08:57,390 --> 00:08:59,223 with our guard members and their 155 00:08:59,223 --> 00:09:02,150 families . Thank you so much for taking 156 00:09:02,159 --> 00:09:04,539 the time out of your busy schedule and 157 00:09:04,549 --> 00:09:06,700 to the first lady and your daughter , 158 00:09:06,710 --> 00:09:08,654 Sophia . Thank you so much . It is 159 00:09:08,654 --> 00:09:11,150 great to have you all with us with that 160 00:09:11,159 --> 00:09:13,469 said , it is my pleasure to introduce 161 00:09:13,479 --> 00:09:15,423 the Governor of Pennsylvania , the 162 00:09:15,423 --> 00:09:17,929 honorable Josh Shapiro governor . 163 00:09:25,770 --> 00:09:28,119 Thank you General Schindler for your 164 00:09:28,130 --> 00:09:30,549 faithful service . To our commonwealth 165 00:09:30,559 --> 00:09:32,409 and for your leadership in the 166 00:09:32,419 --> 00:09:34,363 Department of Military and Veteran 167 00:09:34,363 --> 00:09:36,419 Affairs in the Pennsylvania National 168 00:09:36,419 --> 00:09:38,363 Guard . And thank you for being an 169 00:09:38,363 --> 00:09:40,419 honorable member of my cabinet . And 170 00:09:40,419 --> 00:09:42,539 we're grateful for your service . I 171 00:09:42,549 --> 00:09:44,660 also want to recognize the commanding 172 00:09:44,660 --> 00:09:46,882 officer of the 28th Infantry Division , 173 00:09:46,882 --> 00:09:48,809 Major General Mark Morman , the 174 00:09:49,400 --> 00:09:51,929 commanding officer in 56 striker 175 00:09:51,940 --> 00:09:54,070 brigade combat team commander , 176 00:09:54,080 --> 00:09:57,530 Christopher Costello and the commanding 177 00:09:57,539 --> 00:10:00,599 officer of Task force P Lieutenant 178 00:10:00,609 --> 00:10:03,906 Colonel Eric Ponta . But also like to 179 00:10:03,916 --> 00:10:06,755 recognize someone who I served with in 180 00:10:06,765 --> 00:10:08,987 the Capitol day in and day at all . And 181 00:10:08,995 --> 00:10:11,245 that is one of your own representative 182 00:10:11,255 --> 00:10:13,995 Joe Kw or who you probably know better 183 00:10:14,005 --> 00:10:17,596 as Captain Kerwin . He is dedicated to 184 00:10:17,606 --> 00:10:20,575 our commonwealth dedicated in service 185 00:10:20,625 --> 00:10:23,195 both in the General Assembly and as an 186 00:10:23,205 --> 00:10:25,682 officer in Pennsylvania National Guard . 187 00:10:26,122 --> 00:10:28,721 He serves as an example to all of us 188 00:10:28,791 --> 00:10:31,572 inside and outside of the cabinet of 189 00:10:31,581 --> 00:10:34,921 what it looks like to selflessly serve 190 00:10:34,932 --> 00:10:37,461 Pennsylvania as each and every one of 191 00:10:37,471 --> 00:10:40,221 you do in the National Guard . I just 192 00:10:40,231 --> 00:10:42,231 want to say a special thanks to his 193 00:10:42,231 --> 00:10:44,492 sister who's going on deployment for 194 00:10:44,502 --> 00:10:47,039 him as well . It's a true privilege to 195 00:10:47,049 --> 00:10:49,216 be here with each and every one of you 196 00:10:49,219 --> 00:10:52,140 here today and with the fine women and 197 00:10:52,150 --> 00:10:55,200 men of the task force at . I also want 198 00:10:55,210 --> 00:10:57,940 to recognize everyone who is watching 199 00:10:57,950 --> 00:11:00,390 online who couldn't physically be with 200 00:11:00,400 --> 00:11:02,900 us today . We so appreciate your 201 00:11:02,909 --> 00:11:05,765 service and we wish , well , I'm 202 00:11:05,775 --> 00:11:08,424 honored to be joined today by our first 203 00:11:08,434 --> 00:11:11,734 lady , my wife in 26 years , Laurie 204 00:11:11,744 --> 00:11:13,934 Shapiro , together with our daughter , 205 00:11:13,945 --> 00:11:16,934 Sophia . She along with our three sons , 206 00:11:16,945 --> 00:11:19,445 wanna wish you the very best in your 207 00:11:19,455 --> 00:11:21,622 deployment . And we're honored to be a 208 00:11:21,622 --> 00:11:24,909 company today as you prepare to deploy 209 00:11:24,919 --> 00:11:27,330 to camp Lemonier over the next 12 210 00:11:27,340 --> 00:11:29,559 months . I want to express my profound 211 00:11:29,570 --> 00:11:32,190 gratitude to each and every one of you . 212 00:11:32,609 --> 00:11:34,650 More than 1000 soldiers in the 213 00:11:34,659 --> 00:11:36,715 Commonwealth of Pennsylvania will be 214 00:11:36,715 --> 00:11:38,919 deployed to support the combined joint 215 00:11:38,929 --> 00:11:42,049 task force born of Africa , nine 216 00:11:42,059 --> 00:11:44,159 companies stretching from Erie to 217 00:11:44,169 --> 00:11:46,750 Philadelphia and many places in between 218 00:11:47,150 --> 00:11:50,590 travel in 7000 miles to Djibouti where 219 00:11:50,599 --> 00:11:52,710 you will serve as a peacekeeping role 220 00:11:52,989 --> 00:11:55,299 in a very challenging and complex 221 00:11:55,309 --> 00:11:57,789 region during your deployment . And 222 00:11:57,799 --> 00:11:59,410 though you'll work to defeat 223 00:11:59,410 --> 00:12:01,489 international territory , promote 224 00:12:01,500 --> 00:12:03,530 safety and security in the region , 225 00:12:03,539 --> 00:12:06,210 protect our global trade grounds , 226 00:12:06,219 --> 00:12:08,163 improve relations with our partner 227 00:12:08,163 --> 00:12:10,780 nations and so much more with 228 00:12:10,789 --> 00:12:13,122 everything happening in the world today . 229 00:12:13,239 --> 00:12:16,330 Your mission I believe is of particular 230 00:12:16,340 --> 00:12:20,049 importance you I want you to know are 231 00:12:20,059 --> 00:12:23,739 the very best of all of us . You are 232 00:12:23,750 --> 00:12:25,989 the peacekeepers . You are the fine 233 00:12:26,000 --> 00:12:28,167 representatives of the Commonwealth of 234 00:12:28,167 --> 00:12:30,169 Pennsylvania and the great United 235 00:12:30,179 --> 00:12:32,830 States of America . You will show the 236 00:12:32,840 --> 00:12:35,580 people who stop it , who Pennsylvanians 237 00:12:35,590 --> 00:12:38,690 are and what we stand for from our very 238 00:12:38,719 --> 00:12:40,989 humble beginnings , led by William Pa . 239 00:12:41,380 --> 00:12:43,200 We've always stood for peace , 240 00:12:43,210 --> 00:12:46,419 tolerance , opportunity and real 241 00:12:46,429 --> 00:12:48,429 freedom . And that is what we'll be 242 00:12:48,429 --> 00:12:51,340 protecting across the globe . I want 243 00:12:51,349 --> 00:12:53,293 you to know that our common in our 244 00:12:53,293 --> 00:12:55,929 country , we recognize your great 245 00:12:55,940 --> 00:12:58,169 sacrifice , leaving your families , 246 00:12:58,179 --> 00:13:00,289 your friends and your communities to 247 00:13:00,299 --> 00:13:03,320 keep us all safe . We depend on the 248 00:13:03,330 --> 00:13:05,274 women men in the National Guard to 249 00:13:05,274 --> 00:13:08,369 protect our freedoms , both at home and 250 00:13:08,380 --> 00:13:11,559 abroad , in times of crisis , in times 251 00:13:11,570 --> 00:13:14,700 of danger , in times of worry amongst 252 00:13:14,710 --> 00:13:17,469 our fellow Pennsylvanians . You answer 253 00:13:17,479 --> 00:13:21,289 the call every single time you do 254 00:13:21,429 --> 00:13:24,080 right by your neighbors . You put your 255 00:13:24,090 --> 00:13:26,690 own lives on the line to protect the 256 00:13:26,700 --> 00:13:29,390 rest of us . It takes a very special 257 00:13:29,400 --> 00:13:31,799 person to do this . And I want you to 258 00:13:31,809 --> 00:13:34,390 know we feel an immense debt of 259 00:13:34,400 --> 00:13:36,678 gratitude to each and every one of you . 260 00:13:36,820 --> 00:13:38,653 We are forever grateful for your 261 00:13:38,653 --> 00:13:40,960 service , Gloria . And I want to take a 262 00:13:40,969 --> 00:13:43,340 moment to recognize your families who 263 00:13:43,349 --> 00:13:45,369 join us here and who are watching 264 00:13:45,380 --> 00:13:48,190 online as well . They make a tremendous 265 00:13:48,200 --> 00:13:51,210 sacrifice so that you can serve so that 266 00:13:51,219 --> 00:13:54,869 we can be saved , especially this close 267 00:13:54,880 --> 00:13:56,880 to the holidays , which should be a 268 00:13:56,880 --> 00:13:58,940 joyous season . I know has extra 269 00:13:58,950 --> 00:14:01,409 challenges when a family member or 270 00:14:01,419 --> 00:14:03,979 members are preparing for a year long 271 00:14:03,989 --> 00:14:06,570 deployment . The holidays are a special 272 00:14:06,580 --> 00:14:09,159 time . The first family for your family , 273 00:14:09,169 --> 00:14:12,169 for all of Pennsylvania . It is a 274 00:14:12,179 --> 00:14:14,235 moment , of course , through all our 275 00:14:14,235 --> 00:14:16,869 different faiths to singularly come 276 00:14:16,880 --> 00:14:19,190 together around the promise and the 277 00:14:19,200 --> 00:14:23,190 hope of peace and of giving thanks . 278 00:14:23,335 --> 00:14:25,391 I want you to know that I'm thankful 279 00:14:25,391 --> 00:14:27,613 for each and every one of you , men and 280 00:14:27,613 --> 00:14:29,557 women of the Pennsylvania National 281 00:14:29,557 --> 00:14:32,405 Guard and your families . And I want 282 00:14:32,414 --> 00:14:35,195 you all to know that we will be here 283 00:14:35,205 --> 00:14:37,375 for your families while you are gone . 284 00:14:37,734 --> 00:14:39,901 And I want every family member here to 285 00:14:39,901 --> 00:14:42,315 know that we have your back , anything 286 00:14:42,325 --> 00:14:45,054 you need , we are here for you . I 287 00:14:45,065 --> 00:14:47,494 trust that all of you assembled here 288 00:14:47,505 --> 00:14:49,645 today and those who are going on 289 00:14:49,655 --> 00:14:51,877 deployment who are watching us online . 290 00:14:52,119 --> 00:14:54,789 I trust that you will show our partners 291 00:14:54,799 --> 00:14:56,900 in East Africa and the men and women 292 00:14:56,909 --> 00:14:59,020 that you'll be serving alongside from 293 00:14:59,020 --> 00:15:01,280 across the country . Who Pennsylvanians 294 00:15:01,289 --> 00:15:04,909 are at our core , our grit , our 295 00:15:04,919 --> 00:15:08,539 tenacity , our humility , our 296 00:15:08,549 --> 00:15:11,669 warmth and our understanding , our 297 00:15:11,679 --> 00:15:14,369 commitment to service . Our commitment 298 00:15:14,380 --> 00:15:16,369 is Pennsylvanians to making a 299 00:15:16,380 --> 00:15:18,710 difference in the world around us . 300 00:15:19,059 --> 00:15:21,170 That's what each and every one of you 301 00:15:21,170 --> 00:15:23,809 is doing on this deployment . May God 302 00:15:23,820 --> 00:15:26,570 continue to watch over you and your 303 00:15:26,580 --> 00:15:28,390 families ? May God bless the 304 00:15:28,400 --> 00:15:30,456 commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the 305 00:15:30,456 --> 00:15:32,429 women and men of the Pennsylvania 306 00:15:32,440 --> 00:15:34,679 National Guard . And may you and your 307 00:15:34,690 --> 00:15:36,840 families be blessed through this 308 00:15:36,849 --> 00:15:39,169 holiday season and through the time of 309 00:15:39,179 --> 00:15:41,309 your deployment ? Thank you for your 310 00:15:41,320 --> 00:15:41,919 service . 311 00:15:51,580 --> 00:15:53,469 Thank you , Governor Shapiro . We 312 00:15:53,469 --> 00:15:55,636 appreciate you taking the time to join 313 00:15:55,636 --> 00:15:57,691 us today . Ladies and gentlemen , at 314 00:15:57,691 --> 00:15:59,802 this time , I would like to introduce 315 00:15:59,802 --> 00:16:02,024 the commander of the 56 striker brigade 316 00:16:02,024 --> 00:16:03,913 combat team . Colonel Christopher 317 00:16:03,913 --> 00:16:03,900 Costello . 318 00:16:11,840 --> 00:16:13,784 Good afternoon . Thank you . Uh Go 319 00:16:14,169 --> 00:16:17,770 Shapiro , Mr Shapiro , Gosler , John 320 00:16:17,780 --> 00:16:20,500 mccormick , John mchugh Blake Scheer 321 00:16:20,820 --> 00:16:22,709 and sergeant majors for attending 322 00:16:22,709 --> 00:16:24,709 today's departure ceremony for task 323 00:16:24,709 --> 00:16:26,876 force of action . I want to thank each 324 00:16:26,876 --> 00:16:29,098 and every soldier and trooper for their 325 00:16:29,098 --> 00:16:31,264 service and fidelity to the nation and 326 00:16:31,264 --> 00:16:33,320 the commonwealth . You are part of a 327 00:16:33,320 --> 00:16:35,431 small population of serve our country 328 00:16:35,431 --> 00:16:37,320 and also willing to do so . I 329 00:16:37,520 --> 00:16:39,520 specifically thank the families for 330 00:16:39,520 --> 00:16:41,409 their support of the soldiers and 331 00:16:41,409 --> 00:16:43,576 troopers in the battalion without your 332 00:16:43,576 --> 00:16:45,687 support . These soldiers and troopers 333 00:16:45,687 --> 00:16:47,909 cannot do what they do . Arguably , you 334 00:16:47,909 --> 00:16:47,770 make the greatest sacrifice than they 335 00:16:47,780 --> 00:16:51,479 do . And I say that um 336 00:16:51,489 --> 00:16:54,369 because when the soldier deploys , he 337 00:16:54,380 --> 00:16:57,119 knows he's ok , he has his friends , he , 338 00:16:57,130 --> 00:17:00,049 he's busy . On the other hand , you 339 00:17:00,059 --> 00:17:02,003 lose that extra set of hands . You 340 00:17:02,003 --> 00:17:04,003 don't know if he's ok until you get 341 00:17:04,003 --> 00:17:06,598 that color of that email . And one 342 00:17:06,609 --> 00:17:09,129 other difference is as so did we made 343 00:17:09,139 --> 00:17:11,250 this decision to serve ? And you were 344 00:17:11,250 --> 00:17:14,509 brought into this sometimes uh um 345 00:17:15,489 --> 00:17:17,545 one and two or I'm one and two , but 346 00:17:17,790 --> 00:17:19,734 you really make that sacrifice for 347 00:17:19,734 --> 00:17:22,189 being there for them col pons , the 348 00:17:22,199 --> 00:17:24,143 officers and NC Os of task force , 349 00:17:24,143 --> 00:17:26,255 Paxton have trained and will continue 350 00:17:26,255 --> 00:17:28,143 to train the soldiers under their 351 00:17:28,143 --> 00:17:30,032 individual and collective path to 352 00:17:30,032 --> 00:17:32,143 mitigate risk and ensure success . So 353 00:17:32,143 --> 00:17:34,366 thank you for your trust and support in 354 00:17:34,366 --> 00:17:36,310 allowing them to serve . I want to 355 00:17:36,310 --> 00:17:38,532 address the upcoming deployment and try 356 00:17:38,532 --> 00:17:40,477 to give some perspective about its 357 00:17:40,477 --> 00:17:42,532 importance and why we're there . The 358 00:17:42,532 --> 00:17:42,329 region you're going to is strategically 359 00:17:42,339 --> 00:17:44,599 important , to understand the strategic 360 00:17:44,609 --> 00:17:46,665 importance . One must understand our 361 00:17:46,665 --> 00:17:48,387 national interest and security 362 00:17:48,387 --> 00:17:50,387 environment . Our enduring national 363 00:17:50,387 --> 00:17:52,609 interest are the security of the United 364 00:17:52,609 --> 00:17:54,831 States , its citizens and us allies and 365 00:17:54,831 --> 00:17:56,776 partners . A strong innovative and 366 00:17:56,776 --> 00:17:58,331 growing us economy and open 367 00:17:58,331 --> 00:18:00,276 international economic system that 368 00:18:00,276 --> 00:18:02,387 promotes opportunity and prosperity , 369 00:18:02,489 --> 00:18:04,545 respect the universal values at home 370 00:18:04,545 --> 00:18:07,089 and around the world . A rules based 371 00:18:07,099 --> 00:18:09,155 international order advanced by us , 372 00:18:09,155 --> 00:18:10,988 leadership that promotes peace , 373 00:18:10,988 --> 00:18:12,821 security and opportunity through 374 00:18:12,821 --> 00:18:14,560 stronger cooper to meet global 375 00:18:14,569 --> 00:18:16,699 challenges . Today's security 376 00:18:16,709 --> 00:18:18,876 environment is one of re emerging long 377 00:18:18,876 --> 00:18:20,598 term strategic competition , a 378 00:18:20,598 --> 00:18:22,653 resilient but weakening . Post World 379 00:18:22,653 --> 00:18:24,931 War Two international order challenges . 380 00:18:24,931 --> 00:18:27,098 The United States military advantage , 381 00:18:27,098 --> 00:18:29,265 rapid technological advances , driving 382 00:18:29,265 --> 00:18:30,987 a change in character of war , 383 00:18:30,987 --> 00:18:33,510 empowered non state actors , a homeland , 384 00:18:33,520 --> 00:18:35,242 a homeland that is no longer a 385 00:18:35,242 --> 00:18:37,290 sanctuary and threats of biological 386 00:18:37,300 --> 00:18:39,633 weapons and weapons of mass destruction . 387 00:18:40,729 --> 00:18:42,562 The weakening post World War Two 388 00:18:42,562 --> 00:18:44,673 international order has put the US in 389 00:18:44,673 --> 00:18:46,673 competition with other world powers 390 00:18:46,673 --> 00:18:48,673 that seek to take over the role the 391 00:18:48,673 --> 00:18:48,339 United States has played since the end 392 00:18:48,349 --> 00:18:50,829 of World War two . These include China 393 00:18:50,849 --> 00:18:53,180 economically , a military ascendant who 394 00:18:53,189 --> 00:18:55,467 seeks a unipolar world order with them . 395 00:18:55,467 --> 00:18:57,411 As the number one superpower and a 396 00:18:57,411 --> 00:18:59,578 revisionist Russia attempted to weaken 397 00:18:59,578 --> 00:19:01,745 and subvert Western structures without 398 00:19:01,745 --> 00:19:03,911 direct conflict who seeks a multipolar 399 00:19:03,911 --> 00:19:06,209 world petition . The United States has 400 00:19:06,219 --> 00:19:08,386 to contend with other regional and non 401 00:19:08,386 --> 00:19:10,330 state actors who pose a persistent 402 00:19:10,330 --> 00:19:12,219 threat . North Korea with nuclear 403 00:19:12,219 --> 00:19:14,552 weapons and other advanced capabilities . 404 00:19:14,552 --> 00:19:16,663 Iran is destabilizing state sponsored 405 00:19:16,663 --> 00:19:18,441 terrorism reaching for regional 406 00:19:18,441 --> 00:19:20,163 hegemony and violent extremist 407 00:19:20,163 --> 00:19:21,941 organizations which continue to 408 00:19:21,941 --> 00:19:23,886 threaten the United States and its 409 00:19:23,886 --> 00:19:25,941 instru interests while destabilizing 410 00:19:25,941 --> 00:19:27,997 conditions in the region . These are 411 00:19:27,997 --> 00:19:30,108 the threats that the United States is 412 00:19:30,108 --> 00:19:29,790 facing in the current security 413 00:19:29,800 --> 00:19:32,099 environment . China and Russia 414 00:19:32,109 --> 00:19:34,276 challenge American power influence and 415 00:19:34,276 --> 00:19:36,387 interest attempting to erode American 416 00:19:36,387 --> 00:19:38,387 security and prosperity . China and 417 00:19:38,387 --> 00:19:40,609 Russia are determined to make economies 418 00:19:40,609 --> 00:19:42,720 less free and less fair to grow their 419 00:19:42,720 --> 00:19:44,831 militaries and to control information 420 00:19:44,831 --> 00:19:47,053 and data to repress their societies and 421 00:19:47,053 --> 00:19:49,276 expand their influence . They both work 422 00:19:49,276 --> 00:19:51,165 to distract and divide the United 423 00:19:51,165 --> 00:19:50,880 States and its allies and partners . 424 00:19:51,770 --> 00:19:53,939 Both in recent years have modernized , 425 00:19:53,949 --> 00:19:56,060 their armies taken advantage of rapid 426 00:19:56,060 --> 00:19:58,005 technological advantages that have 427 00:19:58,005 --> 00:20:00,116 created peer to peer relationships on 428 00:20:00,116 --> 00:20:02,338 the battlefield . We no longer dominate 429 00:20:02,338 --> 00:20:04,380 the operational environment . China 430 00:20:04,390 --> 00:20:06,223 poses the greatest threat with a 431 00:20:06,223 --> 00:20:08,057 coercive increasingly aggressive 432 00:20:08,057 --> 00:20:10,279 endeavor to refashion the Inter Pacific 433 00:20:10,279 --> 00:20:12,446 region and the international system to 434 00:20:12,446 --> 00:20:14,501 suit its interests and authoritarian 435 00:20:14,501 --> 00:20:16,557 preferences . They seek to undermine 436 00:20:16,557 --> 00:20:18,668 alliances and security partnerships , 437 00:20:18,668 --> 00:20:20,779 leveraging their growing capabilities 438 00:20:20,779 --> 00:20:22,612 and economic influence . They've 439 00:20:22,612 --> 00:20:24,723 strengthened and grown their military 440 00:20:24,723 --> 00:20:24,579 footprint , coercing neighbors and 441 00:20:24,589 --> 00:20:26,589 threatening their interests . Their 442 00:20:26,589 --> 00:20:28,645 military is improving and increasing 443 00:20:28,645 --> 00:20:30,478 their ability to project power . 444 00:20:30,478 --> 00:20:32,311 They're increasingly provocative 445 00:20:32,311 --> 00:20:33,978 towards Taiwan and that was a 446 00:20:33,978 --> 00:20:35,922 miscalculation that could threaten 447 00:20:35,922 --> 00:20:37,978 global peace and stability . They've 448 00:20:37,978 --> 00:20:40,089 accelerated modernization , expansion 449 00:20:40,089 --> 00:20:42,089 of their nuclear capabilities . And 450 00:20:42,089 --> 00:20:43,978 China seeks to replace the United 451 00:20:43,978 --> 00:20:45,978 States with the unipolar superpower 452 00:20:45,978 --> 00:20:47,867 Russia perhaps poses a more acute 453 00:20:47,867 --> 00:20:49,819 threat . They seek to reimpose an 454 00:20:49,829 --> 00:20:51,829 imperial sphere of influence in the 455 00:20:51,829 --> 00:20:53,996 region . They're contemptuous of their 456 00:20:53,996 --> 00:20:55,829 neighbor's independence and have 457 00:20:55,829 --> 00:20:58,051 resorted to force imposed border change 458 00:20:58,051 --> 00:21:00,107 resulting in a brutal and unprovoked 459 00:21:00,107 --> 00:21:02,329 war against Ukraine . They present risk 460 00:21:02,329 --> 00:21:04,218 to peace in key areas including a 461 00:21:04,218 --> 00:21:06,440 nuclear threat to the homeland . United 462 00:21:06,440 --> 00:21:08,662 States allies long range cruise missile 463 00:21:08,662 --> 00:21:10,440 threats , cyber and information 464 00:21:10,440 --> 00:21:12,500 operations , counter space threats , 465 00:21:13,130 --> 00:21:14,908 chemical and biological weapons 466 00:21:14,908 --> 00:21:17,079 undersea warfare and extensive gray 467 00:21:17,089 --> 00:21:19,319 zone campaigns targeting democracies . 468 00:21:20,050 --> 00:21:22,161 China and Russia pose a direct threat 469 00:21:22,161 --> 00:21:24,161 to the United States homeland using 470 00:21:24,161 --> 00:21:26,328 noetic means . They attack our defense 471 00:21:26,328 --> 00:21:28,161 industrial base and mobilization 472 00:21:28,161 --> 00:21:29,979 systems , deploy counter space 473 00:21:29,989 --> 00:21:32,267 capabilities that affect GPS and space . 474 00:21:32,270 --> 00:21:34,326 Space capabilities used for military 475 00:21:34,326 --> 00:21:36,770 power and daily civilian life . They 476 00:21:36,780 --> 00:21:38,836 use a wide array of tools to include 477 00:21:38,836 --> 00:21:40,891 social media to undermine the global 478 00:21:40,891 --> 00:21:42,947 United States public and they target 479 00:21:42,947 --> 00:21:44,891 critical infrastructure with cyber 480 00:21:44,891 --> 00:21:46,724 attacks . Recent developments in 481 00:21:46,724 --> 00:21:48,724 hypersonic missiles present a never 482 00:21:48,724 --> 00:21:50,836 before known threat for direct attack 483 00:21:50,836 --> 00:21:53,002 against targets in the United States . 484 00:21:53,002 --> 00:21:54,836 The homeland has never been more 485 00:21:54,836 --> 00:21:56,669 vulnerable lastly , perhaps more 486 00:21:56,669 --> 00:21:58,836 ominously , despite diverging interest 487 00:21:58,836 --> 00:22:00,836 and historical mistrust , China and 488 00:22:00,836 --> 00:22:02,724 Russia continue to increase their 489 00:22:02,724 --> 00:22:04,724 relationship , potentially creating 490 00:22:04,724 --> 00:22:06,947 dilemmas for the United States globally 491 00:22:06,947 --> 00:22:09,280 and possibly leading to direct conflict . 492 00:22:09,280 --> 00:22:11,058 North Korea continues to create 493 00:22:11,058 --> 00:22:13,113 disruption as it expands its nuclear 494 00:22:13,113 --> 00:22:12,890 missile capability to threaten the 495 00:22:12,900 --> 00:22:15,719 homeland , deploy us forces and our 496 00:22:15,729 --> 00:22:17,507 local us allies . Japan and the 497 00:22:17,507 --> 00:22:20,680 Republic of Korea . Iran seeks to build 498 00:22:20,689 --> 00:22:22,633 a nuclear weapon . While exporting 499 00:22:22,633 --> 00:22:24,633 terror throughout the region , they 500 00:22:24,633 --> 00:22:26,411 build and export missile forces 501 00:22:26,411 --> 00:22:28,467 unmanned aerial systems and maritime 502 00:22:28,467 --> 00:22:30,633 capabilities to threaten the free flow 503 00:22:30,633 --> 00:22:32,745 of energy resources and international 504 00:22:32,745 --> 00:22:34,856 commerce . They support terror groups 505 00:22:34,856 --> 00:22:36,745 and military proxies that seek to 506 00:22:36,745 --> 00:22:38,800 undermine and destabilize the Middle 507 00:22:38,800 --> 00:22:40,522 East . They engage in military 508 00:22:40,522 --> 00:22:42,467 provocations and conduct malicious 509 00:22:42,467 --> 00:22:44,633 cyber information operations . Current 510 00:22:44,633 --> 00:22:46,689 events in the region highlight these 511 00:22:46,689 --> 00:22:48,578 activities and Iran's existential 512 00:22:48,578 --> 00:22:50,078 threat , violent extremist 513 00:22:50,079 --> 00:22:52,246 organizations continue to pose threats 514 00:22:52,246 --> 00:22:54,301 throughout the region . The whole is 515 00:22:54,301 --> 00:22:56,468 one of these areas that hosts a number 516 00:22:56,468 --> 00:22:58,690 of these organizations to counter these 517 00:22:58,690 --> 00:23:00,912 threats . The US must use an instrument 518 00:23:00,912 --> 00:23:00,250 to national powers to ensure we 519 00:23:00,260 --> 00:23:02,260 maintain a rule based world order . 520 00:23:02,260 --> 00:23:04,204 Committed to promoting an open and 521 00:23:04,204 --> 00:23:06,427 inclusive global economy , setting high 522 00:23:06,427 --> 00:23:08,427 standards for trade , ensuring fair 523 00:23:08,427 --> 00:23:10,538 competition , supporting labor rights 524 00:23:10,538 --> 00:23:12,704 fighting corruption and protecting our 525 00:23:12,704 --> 00:23:14,871 innovations that u that from uses that 526 00:23:14,871 --> 00:23:17,650 count run counter to our interests . We 527 00:23:17,660 --> 00:23:19,827 must protect the American people , the 528 00:23:19,827 --> 00:23:22,049 homeland and the American way of life , 529 00:23:22,049 --> 00:23:23,993 bolster democracy and defend human 530 00:23:23,993 --> 00:23:25,771 rights , promote global peace , 531 00:23:25,771 --> 00:23:28,130 stability and prosperity . And to 532 00:23:28,140 --> 00:23:30,251 accomplish this , we as a nation must 533 00:23:30,251 --> 00:23:32,362 strengthen our partnerships , enhance 534 00:23:32,362 --> 00:23:34,084 partner capabilities , improve 535 00:23:34,084 --> 00:23:36,251 strategic readiness , assist countries 536 00:23:36,251 --> 00:23:38,362 with economic development and counter 537 00:23:38,362 --> 00:23:41,510 Russia and China influence us . 538 00:23:41,520 --> 00:23:43,631 Military is a key instrument of power 539 00:23:43,631 --> 00:23:45,631 that can be leveraged to accomplish 540 00:23:45,631 --> 00:23:47,798 this . The United States soldiers need 541 00:23:47,798 --> 00:23:49,964 it as much now as in any other time in 542 00:23:49,964 --> 00:23:52,076 the history of our nation . My intent 543 00:23:52,076 --> 00:23:54,020 was to make everybody aware of the 544 00:23:54,020 --> 00:23:53,800 world we live in and the risk posed to 545 00:23:53,810 --> 00:23:55,921 each and every one of us and the duty 546 00:23:55,921 --> 00:23:57,754 of the , of the United States to 547 00:23:57,754 --> 00:23:59,754 respond . It's a bit concerning but 548 00:23:59,754 --> 00:24:01,810 that's where we come in and how your 549 00:24:01,810 --> 00:24:04,032 mission ties directly to our ability to 550 00:24:04,032 --> 00:24:03,989 defend these threats and promote our 551 00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:07,050 national interests . Africa is an area 552 00:24:07,060 --> 00:24:09,227 strategically important that allows us 553 00:24:09,227 --> 00:24:11,560 to counter threat for national security . 554 00:24:11,560 --> 00:24:13,504 Africa is a country of dichotomy , 555 00:24:13,504 --> 00:24:15,504 haves and have nots war and peace , 556 00:24:15,530 --> 00:24:17,670 wealth and poverty corrupt the 557 00:24:17,680 --> 00:24:19,819 principal governments , there is 558 00:24:19,829 --> 00:24:21,996 instability throughout the region from 559 00:24:21,996 --> 00:24:23,996 violent extremist organizations and 560 00:24:23,996 --> 00:24:26,051 malignant influence from our matters 561 00:24:26,051 --> 00:24:27,885 attempting to wreak havoc on the 562 00:24:27,885 --> 00:24:30,699 current world order to combat that by 563 00:24:30,709 --> 00:24:32,542 joint task force point of Africa 564 00:24:32,542 --> 00:24:34,709 outlined five lines of effort to quote 565 00:24:34,709 --> 00:24:36,876 our strategic interests and values and 566 00:24:36,876 --> 00:24:39,098 combat the threat to the region . First 567 00:24:39,098 --> 00:24:41,098 strength the strategic influence by 568 00:24:41,098 --> 00:24:43,320 being the partner of choice for African 569 00:24:43,320 --> 00:24:45,542 friends . Second , protect us interests 570 00:24:45,542 --> 00:24:47,820 by protecting us forces and monitoring . 571 00:24:47,820 --> 00:24:49,709 Malign activities across Africa . 572 00:24:49,709 --> 00:24:51,987 Respond to crisis is involving embassy , 573 00:24:51,987 --> 00:24:54,098 United States personnel across Africa 574 00:24:54,098 --> 00:24:56,265 and that's where you will be the local 575 00:24:56,265 --> 00:24:58,265 911 support allies and partners and 576 00:24:58,265 --> 00:24:59,765 strengthen partnerships by 577 00:24:59,765 --> 00:25:01,876 synchronizing United States defense , 578 00:25:01,876 --> 00:25:04,042 diplomacy and developmental activities 579 00:25:04,042 --> 00:25:06,265 with our allies and partners and enable 580 00:25:06,265 --> 00:25:08,487 support , project operations activities 581 00:25:08,487 --> 00:25:10,265 and investments by exercising , 582 00:25:10,265 --> 00:25:12,265 supporting and synchronizing United 583 00:25:12,265 --> 00:25:14,265 States a access and interest across 584 00:25:14,265 --> 00:25:16,431 Africa working by with and through our 585 00:25:16,431 --> 00:25:18,810 African partners . The National Guards 586 00:25:18,819 --> 00:25:20,986 motto is always ready . Always there . 587 00:25:21,329 --> 00:25:23,496 We've exemplified this through what we 588 00:25:23,496 --> 00:25:25,440 have done as an organization since 589 00:25:25,440 --> 00:25:27,551 founding our country . In the last 20 590 00:25:27,551 --> 00:25:29,459 years , the 56 Strike Brigade has 591 00:25:29,469 --> 00:25:31,760 fought in Iraq provided soldiers for 592 00:25:31,770 --> 00:25:33,937 numerous combat missions in the global 593 00:25:33,937 --> 00:25:35,826 war on terror and supported civil 594 00:25:35,826 --> 00:25:37,937 authorities . The last few years have 595 00:25:37,937 --> 00:25:39,937 been especially busy and we provide 596 00:25:39,937 --> 00:25:41,992 support to civil authorities for the 597 00:25:41,992 --> 00:25:44,048 recent unrest and riots that plagued 598 00:25:44,048 --> 00:25:46,270 our country . Even if upcoming missions 599 00:25:46,270 --> 00:25:48,270 are completed , we will continue to 600 00:25:48,270 --> 00:25:47,869 serve and support the United States in 601 00:25:47,880 --> 00:25:50,689 the common law . I challenge all of you 602 00:25:50,699 --> 00:25:52,588 today . Continue to pre prepare , 603 00:25:52,588 --> 00:25:54,699 prepare yourself for an appointment . 604 00:25:54,699 --> 00:25:56,699 Be physically fit . War fighters or 605 00:25:56,699 --> 00:25:58,477 athletes develop and maintain a 606 00:25:58,477 --> 00:26:00,643 wellness program that prepares you for 607 00:26:00,643 --> 00:26:02,810 the rigors of combat . Get out and get 608 00:26:02,810 --> 00:26:04,977 some miles in , get to the gym , maybe 609 00:26:04,977 --> 00:26:06,810 do a little P 90 X . You must be 610 00:26:06,810 --> 00:26:08,643 disciplined and mentally tough , 611 00:26:08,643 --> 00:26:10,755 tactically and technically proficient 612 00:26:10,755 --> 00:26:12,643 in your warrior task . You , your 613 00:26:12,643 --> 00:26:14,755 battle buddy expects it from you just 614 00:26:14,755 --> 00:26:16,755 as you expect it from him . Prepare 615 00:26:16,755 --> 00:26:18,810 yourself spiritually . Get your mind 616 00:26:18,810 --> 00:26:18,689 right ? What's being asked of you ? 617 00:26:18,699 --> 00:26:20,866 It's not going to be easy but , but it 618 00:26:20,866 --> 00:26:22,977 could get harder and lastly take care 619 00:26:22,977 --> 00:26:24,977 of your families , ensure that they 620 00:26:24,977 --> 00:26:26,977 know what to do when you leave that 621 00:26:26,977 --> 00:26:28,921 they are connected with families , 622 00:26:28,921 --> 00:26:28,589 friends and family , right in this 623 00:26:28,599 --> 00:26:30,710 group where the guys staying behind a 624 00:26:30,710 --> 00:26:32,821 rear detachment with only a few weeks 625 00:26:32,821 --> 00:26:34,932 left until mobilization . Take time . 626 00:26:34,932 --> 00:26:36,821 During the holiday to create some 627 00:26:36,821 --> 00:26:38,821 special moments that strengthen and 628 00:26:38,821 --> 00:26:38,540 reinforce the bonds of your 629 00:26:38,550 --> 00:26:40,606 relationship with your spouse , your 630 00:26:40,606 --> 00:26:42,606 significant other , your Children , 631 00:26:42,606 --> 00:26:44,383 your parents and your friends . 632 00:26:44,383 --> 00:26:46,494 Remember as an American soldier , you 633 00:26:46,494 --> 00:26:48,550 are a warrior and a member of a team 634 00:26:48,550 --> 00:26:50,606 that serves the people of the United 635 00:26:50,606 --> 00:26:52,606 States ready to deploy , engage and 636 00:26:52,606 --> 00:26:52,290 destroy our enemies in close combat . 637 00:26:52,790 --> 00:26:54,346 Thank you for your time and 638 00:26:54,346 --> 00:26:56,401 consideration . Strength and honor . 639 00:27:05,849 --> 00:27:08,920 Thank you , Carl Costello , ladies and 640 00:27:08,930 --> 00:27:11,152 gentlemen . At this time , I would like 641 00:27:11,152 --> 00:27:13,097 to introduce the commander of task 642 00:27:13,097 --> 00:27:15,208 force tax and Lieutenant Colonel Eric 643 00:27:15,208 --> 00:27:15,030 Puc . 644 00:27:23,410 --> 00:27:25,810 Thank you , Governor Shapiro , first 645 00:27:25,819 --> 00:27:27,989 lady Shapiro , their daughter , Sophia 646 00:27:28,969 --> 00:27:31,500 General Schindler , General mccormick , 647 00:27:31,869 --> 00:27:33,980 General mchugh , General Weg Scheider 648 00:27:33,980 --> 00:27:36,709 and other distinguished guests for 649 00:27:36,719 --> 00:27:38,739 being here today . Thank you to the 650 00:27:38,750 --> 00:27:41,250 friends , families and soldiers of task 651 00:27:41,260 --> 00:27:43,300 force PAC in both here and those 652 00:27:43,310 --> 00:27:47,060 watching at home , the task force back . 653 00:27:47,099 --> 00:27:49,650 And like we said earlier is comprised 654 00:27:49,660 --> 00:27:51,882 of units from across the Commonwealth , 655 00:27:51,882 --> 00:27:54,160 from Erie to Philadelphia and 656 00:27:54,170 --> 00:27:56,400 everywhere in between , predominantly 657 00:27:56,410 --> 00:27:59,170 from the 56th Striker brigade , the 658 00:27:59,180 --> 00:28:01,560 1100 soldier task force is broken into 659 00:28:01,569 --> 00:28:04,670 nine companies represented before you 660 00:28:04,680 --> 00:28:08,150 today . In addition to Pennsylvania 661 00:28:08,160 --> 00:28:10,800 citizen soldiers task force pack and 662 00:28:10,829 --> 00:28:12,996 has soldiers from other states such as 663 00:28:12,996 --> 00:28:16,880 Delaware , New Jersey , DC , Maryland , 664 00:28:16,890 --> 00:28:19,001 Massachusetts , West Virginia , South 665 00:28:19,001 --> 00:28:22,390 Dakota , Florida , and New York , which 666 00:28:22,400 --> 00:28:25,130 to me speaks volumes of the P A Army 667 00:28:25,140 --> 00:28:27,260 National Guard . As an organization , 668 00:28:28,839 --> 00:28:30,895 we've been selected to represent the 669 00:28:30,895 --> 00:28:33,061 Pennsylvania Army National Guard for a 670 00:28:33,061 --> 00:28:35,283 combat deployment to the Horn of Africa 671 00:28:35,283 --> 00:28:37,650 that has a footprint in the three East 672 00:28:37,660 --> 00:28:41,050 African countries of Djibouti , Somalia 673 00:28:41,160 --> 00:28:44,619 and Kenya . The mission can be 674 00:28:44,630 --> 00:28:47,270 simplified into two categories , force 675 00:28:47,280 --> 00:28:51,180 protection and crisis response . This 676 00:28:51,189 --> 00:28:53,359 infantry task force has been selected 677 00:28:53,890 --> 00:28:56,750 due to the austerity and complexity of 678 00:28:56,760 --> 00:29:00,609 the mission . We are guarded a joint 679 00:29:00,619 --> 00:29:03,439 force consisting of Navy , air Force , 680 00:29:03,449 --> 00:29:05,910 marine coast guard and army troops 681 00:29:07,369 --> 00:29:09,480 task force packing is responsible for 682 00:29:09,480 --> 00:29:12,099 responding to crisis across East Africa 683 00:29:12,290 --> 00:29:15,099 and the entire continent while ensuring 684 00:29:15,109 --> 00:29:17,540 the security of key infrastructure that 685 00:29:17,550 --> 00:29:19,550 allows the United States to project 686 00:29:19,550 --> 00:29:22,579 power and facilitate regional stability 687 00:29:22,680 --> 00:29:26,180 and partner nation capabilities . As 688 00:29:26,189 --> 00:29:29,209 far as the companies are concerned . H 689 00:29:29,219 --> 00:29:32,770 AC and the FSE Hawkeye and 690 00:29:32,780 --> 00:29:35,780 Impact Company of 2nd 112 will be 691 00:29:35,790 --> 00:29:38,359 working command and control as well as 692 00:29:38,369 --> 00:29:40,147 support operations in all three 693 00:29:40,147 --> 00:29:43,729 countries . Two bases in Djibouti will 694 00:29:43,739 --> 00:29:47,380 be protected by ambush 111 and carnage . 695 00:29:47,390 --> 00:29:50,959 First of the 112 Apache troop , 696 00:29:50,969 --> 00:29:53,660 second one and fourth C A will handle 697 00:29:53,670 --> 00:29:56,140 the port security mission and serve as 698 00:29:56,150 --> 00:29:59,949 the QR F in Djibouti Arrow company . 699 00:29:59,959 --> 00:30:02,349 2nd 112 will be the East Africa 700 00:30:02,359 --> 00:30:05,900 Response Force . We will secure two 701 00:30:05,910 --> 00:30:08,099 locations in Somalia with our charter 702 00:30:08,109 --> 00:30:11,369 company and a platoon from Basal . So 703 00:30:11,489 --> 00:30:15,060 second the 112 last but not least 704 00:30:15,719 --> 00:30:17,941 black sheep , which is the first of the 705 00:30:17,941 --> 00:30:20,439 112 and Blackfoot . First of the 111 706 00:30:20,489 --> 00:30:22,729 will be in Kenya along with the task 707 00:30:22,739 --> 00:30:25,959 force tactical command post to put the 708 00:30:25,969 --> 00:30:28,290 size and scope of the geographical 709 00:30:28,300 --> 00:30:30,640 dispersion . The task force will be 710 00:30:30,650 --> 00:30:32,900 spread . The equivalent of going from 711 00:30:32,910 --> 00:30:34,469 Pennsylvania to Florida . 712 00:30:37,650 --> 00:30:39,761 While the planning for this operation 713 00:30:39,761 --> 00:30:41,817 began over a year ago , the training 714 00:30:41,817 --> 00:30:43,983 conducted by the soldiers of this task 715 00:30:43,983 --> 00:30:45,983 force over the last six months have 716 00:30:45,983 --> 00:30:48,430 been concentrated and intense . The 717 00:30:48,439 --> 00:30:50,709 task force focused on readiness and 718 00:30:50,719 --> 00:30:53,489 building a team . We progressed from 719 00:30:53,500 --> 00:30:55,410 individual training gates through 720 00:30:55,420 --> 00:30:57,642 collective live fire events , combating 721 00:30:57,642 --> 00:30:59,939 in a platoon , live fire exercise that 722 00:30:59,949 --> 00:31:01,893 incorporated all aspects of combat 723 00:31:01,893 --> 00:31:04,800 operations . You still have work to do 724 00:31:05,780 --> 00:31:08,002 at Fort bless the soldiers of this task 725 00:31:08,002 --> 00:31:10,169 force will complete even more rigorous 726 00:31:10,169 --> 00:31:11,891 training , both individual and 727 00:31:11,891 --> 00:31:14,099 collective culminating and accompanied 728 00:31:14,109 --> 00:31:17,750 by fire exercise . I 729 00:31:17,760 --> 00:31:20,359 understand the challenges of a combat 730 00:31:20,369 --> 00:31:23,290 deployment to the employers , the 731 00:31:23,300 --> 00:31:26,469 soldiers and the families . It's not 732 00:31:26,479 --> 00:31:28,910 easy for the soldiers or for the family 733 00:31:28,920 --> 00:31:32,910 members at home to the families . Know 734 00:31:32,920 --> 00:31:35,142 there are other fam know that there are 735 00:31:35,142 --> 00:31:37,760 family rights groups as well as other 736 00:31:37,770 --> 00:31:39,992 families that are going through similar 737 00:31:39,992 --> 00:31:42,159 situations that can be relied upon for 738 00:31:42,159 --> 00:31:44,048 assistance along with our rear of 739 00:31:44,048 --> 00:31:47,160 attachment . Know that we as soldiers 740 00:31:47,170 --> 00:31:49,114 would not be able to stand in this 741 00:31:49,114 --> 00:31:50,979 formation if we did not have you 742 00:31:50,989 --> 00:31:54,010 standing behind us with your love and 743 00:31:54,020 --> 00:31:56,709 support . I'm thankful to have my wife 744 00:31:56,719 --> 00:31:58,830 Sandra along with , along with my two 745 00:31:58,830 --> 00:32:00,775 sons , Nathan and Finn , my mother 746 00:32:00,775 --> 00:32:02,959 Carol here with me today uh to support 747 00:32:02,969 --> 00:32:05,819 me uh now and during this deployment 748 00:32:07,890 --> 00:32:10,270 to my family and the families gathered 749 00:32:10,280 --> 00:32:12,502 here today . I truly thank you for your 750 00:32:12,502 --> 00:32:16,410 support for the soldiers . Note 751 00:32:16,420 --> 00:32:18,609 that you are part of a team of 1100 752 00:32:18,619 --> 00:32:20,786 other soldiers that are here for you . 753 00:32:20,786 --> 00:32:23,349 Myself and CS M Barclay 754 00:32:23,969 --> 00:32:26,849 included . I promise that we will keep 755 00:32:26,859 --> 00:32:29,081 the needs and help of the task force as 756 00:32:29,081 --> 00:32:31,137 our primary mission , we will remain 757 00:32:31,137 --> 00:32:32,803 disciplined and ready for the 758 00:32:32,803 --> 00:32:34,810 challenges of the deployment . I am 759 00:32:34,819 --> 00:32:37,660 proud to stand beside you . I'm truly 760 00:32:37,670 --> 00:32:39,892 honored to be selected to represent the 761 00:32:39,892 --> 00:32:41,750 soldiers of this formation as we 762 00:32:41,760 --> 00:32:44,369 conduct training in Texas and the 763 00:32:44,380 --> 00:32:46,158 mission in the Horn of Africa , 764 00:32:48,939 --> 00:32:52,150 family , friends and soldiers of task 765 00:32:52,160 --> 00:32:54,630 force pacts . And I wish you the best 766 00:32:54,640 --> 00:32:57,689 during this holiday season . Take time 767 00:32:57,839 --> 00:33:00,061 with your family and friends and create 768 00:33:00,061 --> 00:33:02,228 memories that will get you through the 769 00:33:02,228 --> 00:33:04,395 challenging times of this deployment . 770 00:33:04,395 --> 00:33:06,506 I'm thankful for your service and the 771 00:33:06,506 --> 00:33:08,561 support of your friends and family . 772 00:33:08,561 --> 00:33:10,672 The command team is proud of what you 773 00:33:10,672 --> 00:33:12,672 have accomplished at this point and 774 00:33:12,672 --> 00:33:14,783 look forward to continuing to improve 775 00:33:14,783 --> 00:33:17,770 and challenge you every day . Merry 776 00:33:17,780 --> 00:33:19,947 Christmas and happy holidays . We will 777 00:33:19,947 --> 00:33:23,079 see you on December 31st second and 778 00:33:23,089 --> 00:33:23,479 none . 779 00:33:34,219 --> 00:33:36,386 Thank you , Lieutenant Colonel Ponza . 780 00:33:36,386 --> 00:33:38,608 At this time , Lieutenant Colonel Ponzu 781 00:33:38,608 --> 00:33:40,830 will join the command sergeant major of 782 00:33:40,830 --> 00:33:43,052 the task force , command Sergeant major 783 00:33:43,052 --> 00:33:45,052 Jason Barclay to case the battalion 784 00:33:45,052 --> 00:33:47,108 colors . The battalion colors of the 785 00:33:47,108 --> 00:33:49,270 2nd 1 , 12 infantry battalion will be 786 00:33:49,280 --> 00:33:51,280 cased until they are uncased in the 787 00:33:51,280 --> 00:33:53,391 Horn of Africa during the transfer of 788 00:33:53,391 --> 00:33:57,329 authority half for . 789 00:33:59,719 --> 00:34:03,619 Ok . Ok . The very heart 790 00:34:03,630 --> 00:34:05,750 of a unit is civilized by the colors 791 00:34:05,760 --> 00:34:08,110 which our soldiers serve . The colors 792 00:34:08,120 --> 00:34:10,300 stand as a silent reminder of the past 793 00:34:10,310 --> 00:34:12,370 glories and traditions that lend 794 00:34:12,379 --> 00:34:14,810 inspiration for present endeavors and 795 00:34:14,820 --> 00:34:16,850 shine as a guiding beacon into the 796 00:34:16,860 --> 00:34:19,060 future . The essence of the casing 797 00:34:19,070 --> 00:34:21,139 ceremony is an event marked by 798 00:34:21,149 --> 00:34:23,330 tradition , honor , respect and 799 00:34:23,340 --> 00:34:26,050 sacrifice . The colors will be uncased 800 00:34:26,110 --> 00:34:28,332 when the task force arrives in the Horn 801 00:34:28,332 --> 00:34:31,100 of Africa tradition holds that the 802 00:34:31,110 --> 00:34:33,229 colors lead the unit into battle 803 00:34:33,479 --> 00:34:35,209 emphasized by the regulation 804 00:34:35,219 --> 00:34:37,250 instructions to color bearers which 805 00:34:37,260 --> 00:34:40,310 state when in action resolve not to 806 00:34:40,320 --> 00:34:42,653 part with the colors but with your life , 807 00:34:43,030 --> 00:34:44,752 the soldier entrusted with the 808 00:34:44,752 --> 00:34:46,974 responsibility of protecting the colors 809 00:34:46,974 --> 00:34:49,408 is the unit commands our domain by 810 00:34:49,418 --> 00:34:51,362 casing the colors . The task force 811 00:34:51,362 --> 00:34:53,529 commander officially declares the task 812 00:34:53,529 --> 00:34:55,696 force PAC and is prepared to deploy to 813 00:34:55,696 --> 00:34:57,918 the Horn of Africa . Lieutenant Colonel 814 00:34:57,918 --> 00:35:00,085 Ponzi . Please join the official party 815 00:35:00,085 --> 00:34:59,489 on stage 816 00:35:27,500 --> 00:35:29,389 as we bring this event to a close 817 00:35:33,669 --> 00:35:35,836 as we bring this event to a close . We 818 00:35:35,836 --> 00:35:37,669 wish to thank all our families , 819 00:35:37,669 --> 00:35:40,002 friends and employers for their support , 820 00:35:40,002 --> 00:35:42,225 to our soldiers , to our soldiers , for 821 00:35:42,225 --> 00:35:44,336 their service to the commonwealth and 822 00:35:44,336 --> 00:35:46,502 our country . We wish you all the best 823 00:35:46,502 --> 00:35:48,558 on your upcoming deployment . Please 824 00:35:48,558 --> 00:35:50,725 join me in a round of applause for our 825 00:35:50,725 --> 00:35:49,590 deploying soldiers . 826 00:36:15,840 --> 00:36:18,062 Ladies and gentlemen , please stand for 827 00:36:18,062 --> 00:36:20,284 the benediction and remain standing for 828 00:36:20,284 --> 00:36:22,007 the playing of the army song . 829 00:36:28,449 --> 00:36:30,560 I invite you to create your tradition 830 00:36:30,560 --> 00:36:33,820 as a friend of mine . Heavenly Father . 831 00:36:33,919 --> 00:36:36,141 Thank you for the opportunity . We have 832 00:36:36,141 --> 00:36:38,308 had to reflect on the task before us , 833 00:36:38,308 --> 00:36:40,510 watch over our families . We pray and 834 00:36:40,520 --> 00:36:42,631 give them strength and resolve in our 835 00:36:42,631 --> 00:36:44,909 absence . We pray for peace and 836 00:36:44,919 --> 00:36:47,219 stability but help us also to remain 837 00:36:47,229 --> 00:36:49,360 ready and able to destroy the enemies 838 00:36:49,370 --> 00:36:51,620 of the United States of America , lead 839 00:36:51,629 --> 00:36:54,080 this nation . This army and task force 840 00:36:54,090 --> 00:36:56,310 packs into victory for your glory and 841 00:36:56,320 --> 00:36:58,487 our good . We ask in the name of Jesus 842 00:36:58,487 --> 00:36:58,870 Amen 843 00:37:02,800 --> 00:37:05,790 task force . I can't , 844 00:38:17,949 --> 00:38:20,171 ladies , gentlemen and honored guests . 845 00:38:20,171 --> 00:38:22,227 Our heartfelt thanks , go out to you 846 00:38:22,227 --> 00:38:24,393 for attending the departure ceremony , 847 00:38:24,393 --> 00:38:26,393 monitoring task force taxman . This 848 00:38:26,393 --> 00:38:28,393 concludes the formal portion of the 849 00:38:28,393 --> 00:38:30,393 ceremony . Please feel free to join 850 00:38:30,393 --> 00:38:32,282 your soldier on the drill floor . 851 00:38:33,280 --> 00:38:35,080 Commander may charge you Munich .