FORT BENNING, Ga., (July 8, 2015) -- Soldiers, Families and friends gathered at Freedom Hall July 2 to farewell the 463rd Medical Detachment (Veterinary Service Support). The unit deployed in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
"For one-third of the company, this will be their first deployment," said 1st Sgt. Heather Cabanas. "But the Soldiers are ready, (because of) the specialized predeployment training to their basic combat readiness training."
The unit will be based in Kuwait and teams of Soldiers will deploy to Qatar, Jordan, Iraq and Afghanistan to provide food defense, ensuring the food supply is safe, and veterinary services for all assigned in the Central Command area of operations.
"The environment and the mission is changing," said Lt. Col. Alisa Wilma, company commander, "and these Soldiers can handle whatever the environment throws at them. They're ready."
Spc. Lee Norris, who has been with the unit for a year, said he was excited for his second deployment.
The food inspection specialist, who previously deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with the 438th Medical Detachment with Fort Carson's 10th Combat Support Hospital, said the unit has a broad skill set, the Soldiers are resilient and highly adaptable and ready for the mission.
Spc. Kimber Knight, a food inspector who could work in two- or three-person teams while deployed, has been with the 463rd for two and a half years and is ready for her first deployment.
"I want to serve my country. I love my unit and my battle buddies," Knight said.
"This is the life we chose," she said as she prepared to leave her husband and two children for the nine-month deployment.
Col. Paula Lodi, commander of the 14th Combat Support Hospital, told those who attended the ceremony that this was the seventh deployment or redeployment for the 14th CSH in about 90 days.
Two Soldiers who just returned, Sgt. Elmer Cabana and Spc. Rysper Sirma, volunteered to deploy on this mission, Lodi said. With this deployment, 20 percent of the 14th CSH is supporting contingency or support missions.
"We will soon be in seven countries and three states in individual and small specialized team configurations," she said. "Economy of force does not come without risk.
"While any average unit can put their heads down and be masters of their own craft, what is most unique and remarkable about the 'Hellhounds' is they are up for the challenge.
"To the Soldiers of the 463rd, this unit and the nation owe you a debt of gratitude we can never repay. Your spirit, commitment and sacrifice are incredible," Lodi said.
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