Click here to download
"Texans Serving Texas"
MEDIA ADVISORY
Media is invited to cover the deployment ceremony at Cameron Field at Fort Hood, Texas
on Tuesday, May 31, 2016, at 10 a.m. and must arrive at the Visitor’s Center no later than 9 a.m. (this is a firm time) to allow for parking and coordination. Leadership and Soldiers from the company will be available for interviews following the ceremony.
Members of the media are required to RSVP no later than Monday, May 30, by 12:00 p.m. with the Division West PAO at 254-368-8559 or via email at thomas.w.wheeler.mil@mail.mil.
Media will be required to enter Fort Hood through the Marvin Leath Visitor Center located at 69012, T.J. Mills Blvd, Fort Hood, Texas 76544. Media will be required to show credentials.
FOR IMMEDIATE PUBLIC RELEASE:
Texas National Guard Soldiers Deploy to Afghanistan
AUSTIN, Texas (May 25, 2016) – On Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at 10:00 a.m., the Texas Army National Guard will bid goodbye and good luck to various elements and members of the 36th Infantry Division as they mobilize to Afghanistan in support of Operation Freedom’s Sentinel. The deployment ceremony will be held at Cameron Parade Field located at Battalion Ave. and 25th Street on Fort Hood, Texas.
While deployed the headquarters will provide training, advice and assistance for the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces, as well as the Afghan security institutions in order to promote the long-term success of the Afghan National Defense Security Forces and the sovereignty of the Afghan government.
This mission for the 36th Inf. Div. will mark the first time a National Guard unit will take over a regional command, from an active duty component, in Afghanistan within a combat environment.
“This is a historical deployment for the 36th Infantry Division and the Texas National Guard,” said Brig. Gen. Lee Henry, Task Force Commanding General. “The citizen-Soldiers representing Texas are experienced professionals who will bring a wealth of knowledge to the mission, demonstrating the National Guard’s level of diversity and ability to be a recognizable force alongside our active duty counterparts.”
Additionally, the unit will provide a tactical command headquarters and several train-advise-assist teams at various locations in Afghanistan. Currently, the U.S. military contributes to the NATO Resolute Support mission to provide support to the Afghan National Defense and Security Forces as they assume full responsibility for security throughout their own country.
The 36 Infantry Division’s forward deploying unit will integrate U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, Australian Army and Department of the Army Civilians within the headquarters command elements. Following some additional training, the unit will deploy for overseas sometime this summer.
In the event of inclement weather the event will take place at the Abrams Physical Fitness Center, located at 62nd St. & Support Ave., Fort Hood, Texas. For more information, contact 36th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, Maj. Randall Stillinger, at (512) 782-5259 or the state public affairs office at 512-782-5620; email ng.tx.txarng.mbx.pao@mail.mil.
-30-
The mission of the Texas Military Department (TMD) is to provide the Governor and the President with ready and trained forces in support of the citizens of Texas and State and Federal civil/military authorities at home and abroad.
The Texas Military Department is commanded by the Adjutant General of Texas, the state's senior military official appointed by the governor, and is comprised of the Texas Military Department (formerly the Adjutant General's Department), the Texas Army National Guard (TXARNG), the Texas Air National Guard (TXANG), the Texas State Guard (TXSG) and the Domestic Operations Command (DOMOPS).
For more information about the Texas Military Department visit our Website at https://tmd.texas.gov.
Texas Military Department Public Affairs
P.O. Box 5218, Building 10
Camp Mabry (Austin), Texas 78703