FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas -- Family and friends of 11 Soldiers assigned to the 440th Blood Support Detachment gathered at the Roadrunner Community Center July 10 to wish them farewell and best wishes as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The mission of the 440th BSD is to provide emergency collection, manufacturing, storing, distribution of blood and blood products to Division, Corps, and Echelons above Corps, medical units and to other operations.
"This team will replace a team from the 440th BSD that has been operating in Afghanistan for 15 months," said Lt. Col. Keith Rigdon, commander, 61st Multifunctional Medical Battalion, Fort Hood, Texas, and ceremony host.
Rigdon said the unit has split operations, called Enduring Mission. Part of the unit here supports the team forward providing support to forces in theater. As a team, the unit has a total of 27 months of deployment.
"The unit has executed a tremendous training plan, focusing not only on the technical training requirements but also on individual collective tactical training," Rigdon said.
"You are the future of our Army and I have no doubt that when you deploy to Afghanistan, you will do a magnificent job."
Rigdon also mentioned another very special team. "I want to recognize the Families. I know the Soldiers are ready, but you have a war on the home front," he said, speaking to the Families.
"You will be taking care of the kids when they are asleep, when they are sick. You will be managing the bills. You are very instrumental to the success of our Soldiers, because you are the ones creating those care packages, forwarding those cards, and are the crucial part of the success of the mission.
Rigdon reminded Families to utilize the Family Readiness Groups and their chains of command, should they need help while their Soldiers are away. He stressed that Families are a big part of the team, and must be taken care of also.
"I told myself, since my children chose to go into the military, they knew what to expect. I am prepared for anything, but hoping for the best, for her to go there and come back safe, not just her, but for all the Soldiers," said Kamla Bachai, in tears. Bachai is 440th BSD Rear Commander Capt. Vidhika Persaud's mother.
The ceremony concluded with the "Army Song." The Army Medical Command Band entertained guests with patriotic music.
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