250 Nevada Guard soldiers sent to Middle East — PHOTOS
Calling the Nevada National Guard the "silent sentinel that protects our freedom and way of life," Gov. Brian Sandoval sent more than 250 of the state's citizen-soldiers on their way Monday for a mission to coordinate supply operations for U.S. forces in the Middle East.
The send-off drew several thousand family members and friends of the 17th Sustainment Brigade soldiers to a mobilization ceremony at Mandalay Bay Events Center.
It is the largest deployment for the Nevada National Guard since 2010 when the 1st Squadron, 221st Cavalry sent about 450 Nevada soldiers to Afghanistan with 280 Guard soldiers from other states.
"The spirit of the soldiers unites us all," Sandoval told the gathering. "The bravery exhibited by those who wear our nation's uniform inspires us. We are the Battle Born state whose citizen-soldiers put real meaning to our state motto — all for our country — you are the living examples of the character of our state."
After a month of final training at Fort Hood, Texas, the soldiers will arrive in Kuwait and other parts of the Middle East to support U.S.-led military operations in the region by keeping various commands supplied with fuel, food, water, ammunition, transportation and spare parts.
The brigade will also send teams to Jordan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to support U.S. forces and allies in those areas during the 10-month tour.
Brig. Gen. Michael Hanifan, commander of the Nevada Army National Guard, said, "The mission is going to be clearly the most complex of any organization that we've ever sent overseas."
Col. Vernon Scarbrough, the brigade's commander, said his job is "to build the team, build the trust and complete the mission," which includes a "huge area of responsibility. ... That means Egypt, Jordan, Iraq — not Syria but we will do airdrops into Syria — Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain. All of those countries we will have a presence there."
He said 70 percent of the soldiers have never deployed for an overseas mission.
"Let me give you my assurances now that my job is to take everyone and complete the mission and bring everyone home safely. That is my number-one goal," Scarbrough said.
After the ceremony, Felicia Musumeci hugged her brother and sister who are among at least six pairs of same-family members being deployed.
"It's going to be a new experience for all of us and we're excited," said Sgt. Angelica Musumeci, 23, who is on the tour with her brother, Spc. Dominick Musumeci.
Said their mother, Ann Marie Musumeci, of Pahrump: "I just want them to come home safe."
Command Sgt. Maj. James Richardson Sr., 52, is going on his third deployment, this time with his son, Spc. James Richardson, 25.
"For me it's kind of business as usual," the elder Richardson said. "For my son, I have to make sure he's doing the right thing and getting his job done."
His son said, "Just ready to get out there, get it done and get back."
Spc. Marie Clark, 24, of Las Vegas, said she's "kind of nervous with a little bit of excitement."
Her mother, Shirley Clark, said she's "sad (and) worried" about the extremely hot temperatures her daughter will experience.
Lt. Col. Troy Armstrong, 17th Special Troops Battalion commander, said based on his experience with this being his fourth deployment "it's more difficult on families when we deploy than it is on us. So, we're ready, we're prepared. At this point we just need to get out the door and get the job done."
Armstrong said a big difference with this tour is the unit's responsibility with three levels of command. "It is pretty historic for Nevada. The scope of the operations that we're going to be over is the largest that this state has seen."
Contact Keith Rogers at krogers@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0308. Find him on Twitter: @KeithRogers2
