Guardsmen celebrate Texas independence while deployed to Afghanistan

By Capt. Gina GorisMarch 5, 2013

'Happy Texas Independence Day' from the Texas Army National Guard!
Members of the Texas National Guard serving in Afghanistan gather to show spirit for their state on Texas Independence Day, March 2, 2013. The Soldiers are assigned to the 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team and are conducting a Security Force Assistan... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

TARIN KOT, Afghanistan (March 4, 2013) -- Texas National Guard and coalition forces celebrated Texas' independence from Mexico at Multinational Base Tarin Kowt, March 2, 2013.

This year marks the 177th anniversary of Texas independence. The declaration of Independence came just days before the Battle of the Alamo, March 6.

"For Texans, the Texas Independence Day is like Texas' own Fourth of July," said Texas National Guard Security Force Assistance team commander Lt. Col. William Phillips, 56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.

In Afghanistan, Soldiers took time out of their busy schedule to remember this historic event by serving Texan style dishes, flying a Texas flag, displaying a copy of Lt. Col. William B. Travis's "Letter to Gen. Sam Houston" at the Siege of the Alamo and toasting to commemorate the day.

One Texas SFAT team member showed of his Texas pride by grilling Texas style hamburgers and sharing some of the history of Texas with the Soldiers and contractors who attended the event.

"Today was all about Texas, to shows people here we are proud of Texas," said SFAT officer, 1st Lt. Patrick Gurski, 56th IBCT.

Related Links:

Army.mil: Army National Guard News

Texas Army National Guard

56th Infantry Brigade Combat Team on Facebook

Stephen F. Austin

RELATED STORIES