"Today we had Maj. Gen. Jeffery L. Banister, commander, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum, who awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation to 1st and 2nd Battalions, 87th Inf. Reg.," said Capt. John Goodwill, commander, A Company.
Adorning their unit colors were 1-87th Inf. Reg. who was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation streamer for exceptional meritorious service during their most recent deployment to the Ghazni and Kabul province, Afghanistan.
While Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-87th Inf. Reg. was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation certificate and citation for exceptional meritorious service during their most recent deployment to Logar province, Afghanistan.
The MUC is awarded as a streamer when 65 percent of a unit's personnel deploy, as an emblem, or MUC certificate and citation when less than 65 percent of the unit's personnel are deployed.
"Our Soldiers under whatever conditions need to be prepared to deploy anywhere in the world and fight," stated Lt. Col. Joe Escandon, commander, 1-87th Inf. Reg. "Todays' awarding of the Meritorious Unit Commendations is just another example of getting a mission, going over (seas), accomplishing that mission, and the Army recognizing the efforts of our Soldiers and what they've done."
The day also marked the two units first annual 87th Inf. Reg. Day, an event that set another historical milestone for the regiment.
"It's (87th Infantry Regiment Day) very significant for the division simply because the 87th Inf. Reg. is the foundation of 10th Mtn. Div," said Escandon. "It was the first unit of the 10th Mtn. Div. and is the base for the unit's history."
Soldiers began the event with a regimental run where the two battalions intertwined it's units to bolster esprit de corps, regimental spirit, and celebrate their history.
"Today is an opportunity for our two battalions to come together to share and appreciate our lineage and history," said Lt. Col. Jonathan Chung, commander, 2nd Battalion, 87th Infantry regiment, 2nd BCT.
This evening during the final event, a leader's call, they will discuss the future of their 87th Infantry Regiment Day celebration and signing into action next year's events.
"Tonight we will sign a charter which will layout the things we are going to do in the future on an annual and semi-annual basis," stated Escandon. "So this event which should take place again next year should be much more robust, we expect a regimental run, sports competitions to foster friendly rivalry, and a family barbecue and Family Readiness Group event.
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