This past Tuesday was a great day for the 314th and its Soldiers. We held our Deployment Farewell Ceremony at the unit in Birmingham and it proved to be successful in many ways.
LTC Perez prepares to present awards to 314th Soldiers.
Most importantly, it was a chance for military leaders, community leaders and family members to show our Soldiers how much they are admired and respected. I could see smiles on the faces of unit members as one person after another shook their hand and thanked them for their military service. Soldiers put it all on the line and a day like this makes them feel like they have made the right decision.
The Mayor and Police Chief of Birmingham, the Commanding General and Command Sergeant Major of our higher headquarters, former unit members and commanders, and representatives from local veterans groups were all in attendance.
The night before we were hoping and praying for nice weather…and the early morning looked iffy, but by the time it all started at 11:30 a.m., we were up to about 50 degrees with a slight breeze and not a cloud in the sky.
Family members enjoyed the day with their Soldiers.
It is also great to see the smile on a parent, spouse or even grandparent’s face when someone tells them what a role model their Soldier is. Inside, I am sure each mom is wishing her son or daughter were safe at home, but I know there is also a part of them that is happy to know that they raised a child who is strong enough to stand up for themselves and this country.
A couple TV stations and the local daily newspaper showed up and we were ready with media escorts, press packets and talking points. They captured the sights and sounds of the day along with our own photographer and videographer.
The motto of the 314th: Maximum Effort, Minimum Delay!
After the ceremony, everyone gathered inside the Army Reserve training center for warm air, stories about their loved ones, and cake that announced the unit’s motto — “Maximum Effort, Minimum Delay”.
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