Twitter
Facebook
MANNHEIM, Germany — In one of the final acts of the 28th Transportation Battalion’s looming inactivation, the battalion bid farewell to the 68th Transportation Company at a guidon furling ceremony April 30 on Coleman Barracks here in preparation for the company’s return to the U.S.
Unlike some of the other units under the 28th Trans. Bn. that were inactivated as part of the battalion’s inactivation, the “Eagle Express,” as the unit is known, will be reassigned to the 142nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion at Fort Bliss, Texas, where the company will continue its tradition of excellence.
The history of the 68th Trans. Co. under the 28th Trans. Bn. has been one of uncompromising success. Maj. Nicole Heumphreus, commander of the 28th Trans. Bn., praised the unit not only for the amount it has accomplished, but also for the standard at which it conducts its duties.
“There was no mission that I couldn’t give this command team,” Major Heumphreus said.
As the unit makes its way to its new home station, Major Heumphreus made sure to acknowledge the condition that the Eagle Express leaves the battalion — attributing that success to the commander and first sergeant.
“You have prepared this unit well for its future missions and successes,” Major Heumphreus said to Capt. Robert Richard and 1st Sgt. Ronald Booker, commander and first sergeant of the 68th Trans. Co.
Captain Richard proceeded to expand on the unit’s past successes, noting that having the opportunity to command a unit that has a long and celebrated heritage throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia has been a distinct honor for him.
Among its most recent accomplishments, the unit has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom three times. It was one of the first units to cross the berm in OIF I, then deployed again in 2005 when the unit supported the 1st and 2nd Marine Expeditionary Forces, the 172nd Stryker Brigade and Task Force 1-36 Armor, and most recently in March 2008 to Camp Taji in Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Multi-National Division- Baghdad.
Captain Richard closed the ceremony stating, “I would like to take time to recognize every Soldier who has ever turned a wrench, drove a truck, manned a gun turret or been a convoy commander — it is one of my proudest honors to say you are not forgotten and that I am one of you.”
The last remaining company in the 28th Trans. Bn. is now its Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, which will inactivate this summer.
