FORT POLK, La. -- The 142nd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion stood at attention on Fort Polk's 1st Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Field for the last time at their relocation ceremony May 19.
This final goodbye precedes the battalion's move to Fort Bliss, Texas.
Brig. Gen. James C. Yarbrough, Joint Readiness Training Center and Fort Polk commanding general, began the farewells with these words:
"To the Soldiers, commanders and leaders standing on this field, I appreciate you joining us to close a chapter of valorous accomplishments in Team Maverick's book as they move quickly to open another one."
He said Mavericks like change, and that's what the Soldiers on the field were doing.
"The Army has made a decision to move the 142nd to Fort Bliss, Texas, as part of a global repositioning plan," said Yarbrough.
"True to form, they aren't wasting time griping about the move, but embracing it for execution to their usual high standard."
After praising the newly redeployed unit for all their accomplishments during their last 15-month deployment in Iraq, Yarbrough wrapped up his send-off.
"It's pretty easy to sum it up -- mission accomplished, all home safe, thanks for what you've done," said Yarbrough. "Good luck to the warriors of the 142nd CSSB as you continue your mission a little bit west of here. Take point and show them how it's done over there."
The goodbyes continued with Col. Timothy A. McKernan, 142nd CSSB battalion commander.
McKernan said he thought it was a magnificent day to be in the Army and part of Team Maverick.
"The pride I feel is overwhelming," he said.
"I don't think there is a better day we could have picked to say goodbye to the Mavericks."
Since the beginning of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, until redeploying in January, the battalion continuously had a guidon deployed in support of the War on Terror, according to the battalion's history.
"The 142nd has been supporting Fort Polk and as we move to Fort Bliss, I know they will do the same great job and live up to their motto, 'Support for strength,'" said McKernan.
In addition, he thanked the Fort Polk community for their support.
"Our warriors have always been supported by the local community and all the agencies on post went out of their way to make sure that the little 142nd never got lost," he said.
"We appreciate that, thank you."
McKernan closed the ceremony with these words:
"As Team Maverick rides off into the sunset, our mission at Fort Polk is complete. Saddle up and move out to Fort Bliss. Wild stallions rule, Maverick sticks out."
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