JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - Soldiers with 5th Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery, 17th Field Artillery Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, held a casing colors ceremony at JBLM, Lewis North, Washington, Oct. 8.
The 5-5 ADA cased its color as is tradition so that the Soldiers can recognize their flags and colors upon the uncasing of the battalion colors as they assume their deployed mission.
"This is a tradition that dates back to the American Civil War," said Lt. Col. Bradley J. Herman Jr., 5-5 ADA, battalion commander.
Throughout the year, the Soldiers have trained on different equipment for this deployment with the support of each individual family member, said Col. Kevin F. Ciocaa, 31st ADA Brigade commander, Fort Sill, Oklahoma.
"These Soldiers will be saving lives against all enemies with new technology, but most importantly using the hard-gained experiences they have learned for this mission," said Ciocaa.
"The strength of our Army is found in the Soldiers and also the families that they are leaving behind," said Ciocaa. "Thanks to the families that serve just as much as the Soldiers."
As for the command group, they will help put out different resources and tools to help family members and Soldiers on what to expect during this deployment, said Herman.
"We are so very proud of each and every one of you. You represent the strength of the Army and our nation," said Ciocaa. "You will be in our prayers until you return home safely to family and friends."
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