LINCOLN, Neb. -- Soldiers of the "Big Red One's" newest unit -- the 1st Infantry Division Main Command Post-Operational Detachment -- were surrounded by loved ones, supporters and lawmakers Aug. 5 during a send-off ceremony in their honor at Haymarket Park.
The Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers, about 90 in all, departed Nebraska for Kansas soon after, where they will train at Fort Riley with members of the "Big Red One" for future missions. The MCP-OD is led by Lt. Col. Darin Huss and Command Sgt. Maj. Jeremy Preister.
Brig. Gen. William Turner, 1st Inf. Div. deputy commanding general, welcomed the MCP-OD Soldiers on behalf of Maj. Gen. Wayne W. Grigsby Jr., division and Fort Riley commanding general, and Command Sgt. Maj. Joseph Cornelison, the division's senior noncommissioned officer.
"I am honored to welcome you all to the oldest and most storied division in the United STates Army," Turner said. "You are now Soldiers of the only unit in the Army that puts the No. 1 on their shoulder every day."
He told them to wear it with pride, "as we are proud to have you all as members of our team that will make us stronger and enable us to become an even better division that is ready for any challenge that comes our way over the next year."
The unit, among the first of its kind, is designed to augment and enhance an active Army division headquarters staff, according to information from the Nebraska National Guard. Turner called the event groundbreaking. Turner said the MCP-OD Soldiers fill much-needed capacities within the division that will be necessary for its success as its leaders prepare for and execute future missions.
"You bring skillsets that add great value to our team, and we couldn't be more enthusiastic to welcome you all with open arms," Turner said. "Your 'pioneer spirit' and proud Nebraska heritage are both a refreshing and welcomed addition to our team."
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts attended the ceremony, and encouraged the Soldiers to take care of each other.
"You are the finest example of patriotism we have in our state," he said.
Also attending the Aug. 5 ceremony was Maj. Gen. Daryl Bohac, Nebraska's adjutant general; U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer and Ben Sasse; and U.S. Reps. Jeff Fortenberry and Adrian Smith.
When addressing the crowd, Huss said he didn't know where to start. The thoughts running through the minds of his Soldiers' loved ones -- thoughts of longing, loss and love, yearning for words of comfort for safe returns, he asked.
No words, no matter how brilliantly written could alleviate that uncertainty, he said. What he could tell them was the Soldiers' training was based on years of experience and countless hour of planning. The days spent away from families prepared them for the day, and those days made it safer for the Soldiers to depart.
"I can tell you that the leadership of this battalion, the state of Nebraska and the 1st Infantry Division who are dedicated in ensuring the safety of this training is the same leadership that is dedicated to ensuring their safe return," he added.
Huss spent much of his speech speaking with emotion to loved ones, saying he felt inexpressible gratitude for the sacrifice the Soldiers were making to be away from their own families in service to the American family.
"One cannot put a price tag on time away from family," he said as his own wife and children sat before him. "There are no makeup days for missed births, first steps, birthdays, dance recitals, football practices and graduations."
There is no compensation that can replace Soldiers missing the special joys of everyday moments with their children and loved ones, he added. Huss asked the children of MCP-OD Soldiers -- "true unsung heroes of America's security" -- to stand as he addressed them.
"I know this is a difficult day for you," he said. "As a father myself, I want to tell you this: you should be immensely proud of your parents.
"Their willingness to make sacrifices for you, even when it means time away from you, whom they love so much, shows just how special you are to your parents."
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