VILSECK, Germany - Family members, friends and guests gathered at the Memorial Fitness Center, located in Rose Barracks, Germany, to formally say farewell to Soldiers who are deploying to Egypt for the next nine months.
Troopers assigned to 1st Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment participated in the casing of their colors on Nov. 3, 2015 and will start their journey to the Sinai Peninsula, where they will become part of the Multinational Force and Observers, or MFO, and take on the responsibilities for peacekeeping duties in the area.
The MFO is an organization that oversees the terms for the Treaty of Peace, which was signed in 1979 by Egypt and Israel. Since being implemented in 1981, the United States has had an Infantry battalion or Cavalry squadron continuously serving on the peninsula.
Lt. Col. Michael C. Manner, 1st Squadron's Commander, assured those in attendance that the Troopers are ready to accomplish their mission by enforcing discipline, standards and accountability.
"Discipline and standards have been instilled through tough and realistic training," Manner explained. "Insuring each Soldier knows not only what to do and when, but that they can also make the right decisions when faced with a new situation with changing conditions."
Manner went on to explain his expectations for unit accountability.
"Accountability is the cornerstone of readiness," said Manner. "Accountability for not only equipment and personnel but also our actions."
The squadron will be the 61st U.S. unit to assume this mission. They will be involved in an ever-changing complex environment that will require each Soldier to rely on their training while being able to adapt to any given scenario ranging from a treaty violation to an Improvised Explosive Device or IED.
Casing the unit's colors is one of the last tasks for the unit prior to departure day. Family members and Soldiers go through a lot of different emotions before and during a deployment. Soldiers will miss holidays and special moments that will never come again.
To put things into perspective, Col. John V. Meyer III, the 78th Colonel of the Regiment, drew from his 26 years of experience in the Army and multiple deployments.
"Every Soldier standing in front of you today took an oath. They took an oath to support and defend the constitution; that ideal that makes our nation great," Meyer said. "That's something larger than ourselves. We do not get to decide when and where we deploy. We decided that we would volunteer to serve."
Meyer continued.
"This time, instead of creating peace, you are enforcing the peace," said Meyer. "You will make a difference. You will make a difference to the people who live where you are going."
The Dragoon Regiment has the distinction of being the longest serving unit in the U.S. Army with its Troopers having seen many deployments throughout several countries. These Soldiers leaving for Egypt will not only represent the Dragoons of today but also those who served before them.
"Their legacy is what we maintain by our deeds," said Manner. "Be confident in your leaders, be confident in the training you've received, but most of all be confident in your abilities. Always remember your Regiment. Always Ready, Always First!"
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