Pennsylvania Soldiers Head to Europe for Training Mission

By Maj. Travis MuellerAugust 22, 2024

56th SBCT deployment ceremony
1 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard are honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Maj. Travis Mueller) VIEW ORIGINAL
56th SBCT deployment ceremony
2 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard are honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Maj. Travis Mueller) VIEW ORIGINAL
56th SBCT deployment ceremony
3 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard are honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Maj. Travis Mueller) VIEW ORIGINAL
56th SBCT deployment ceremony
4 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard are honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Maj. Travis Mueller) VIEW ORIGINAL
56th SBCT deployment ceremony
5 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard are honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Maj. Travis Mueller) VIEW ORIGINAL
56th SBCT deployment ceremony
6 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard are honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Maj. Travis Mueller) VIEW ORIGINAL
56th SBCT deployment ceremony
7 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard are honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Maj. Travis Mueller) VIEW ORIGINAL
56th SBCT deployment ceremony
8 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard are honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Maj. Travis Mueller) VIEW ORIGINAL
56th SBCT deployment ceremony
9 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard are honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Maj. Travis Mueller) (Photo Credit: Maj. Travis Mueller) VIEW ORIGINAL
Celebration of family and service at farewell ceremony
10 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Kurtis Startzel with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard smiles while lifting his daughter sky-high at the unit's pre-deployment farewell ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Aug. 21, 2024. The unit is deploying to Grafenwoehr, Germany to resume the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine (JMTG-U) mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC). (Photo Credit: Capt. Leanne Demboski) VIEW ORIGINAL
Celebration of family and service at farewell ceremony
11 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Soldier attended the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania Army National Guard pre-deployment farewell ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Aug. 21, 2024, in honor of his brother who is deploying. The 56th SBCT is deploying to Grafenwoehr, Germany to resume the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine (JMTG-U) mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC). (Photo Credit: Capt. Leanne Demboski) VIEW ORIGINAL
Celebration of family and service at farewell ceremony
12 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Col. Christopher Costello, commander of the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard, smiles with his wife, Judy, at the unit's pre-deployment farewell ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Aug. 21, 2024. The unit is deploying to Grafenwoehr, Germany to resume the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine (JMTG-U) mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC). (Photo Credit: Capt. Leanne Demboski) VIEW ORIGINAL
Celebration of family and service at farewell ceremony
13 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard walks alongside her dog at the unit's pre-deployment farewell ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Aug. 21, 2024. The unit is deploying to Grafenwoehr, Germany, to resume the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine (JMTG-U) mission under the 7th Army Training Command (7ATC). (Photo Credit: Capt. Leanne Demboski) VIEW ORIGINAL
Celebration of family and service at farewell ceremony
14 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A U.S. Soldier assigned to the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard stands while a child looks on at the unit's pre-deployment farewell ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Aug. 21, 2024. The unit is deploying to Grafenwoehr, Germany to resume the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine (JMTG-U) mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC). (Photo Credit: Capt. Leanne Demboski) VIEW ORIGINAL
Celebration of family and service at farewell ceremony
15 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Surrounded by loved ones, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Paul Richter with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division, Pennsylvania National Guard smiles at the unit's pre-deployment farewell ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap, Aug. 21, 2024. The unit is deploying to Grafenwoehr, Germany to resume the Joint Multinational Training Group - Ukraine (JMTG-U) mission under 7th Army Training Command (7ATC). (Photo Credit: Capt. Leanne Demboski) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
16 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
17 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Wayne V. Hall) (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
18 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Wayne V. Hall) (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
19 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
20 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
21 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
22 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
23 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
24 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
25 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Wayne V. Hall) (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
26 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
27 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
28 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
29 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
30 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Wayne V. Hall) (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL
Pa. National Guard’s 56th SBCT departs for year-long deployment to Germany
31 / 31 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, Aug. 21, 2024. These Soldiers are preparing to deploy to Germany for a year-long mission supporting Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Wayne V. Hall) (Photo Credit: Wayne Hall) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. – More than 150 Soldiers with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team were honored during a deployment ceremony at Strickler Field on Aug. 21.

Part of Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 56th SBCT, these Soldiers are preparing to leave their homes and loved ones for a year-long deployment to Germany. They will serve with the Joint Multinational Training Group Ukraine, aiding the 7th Army Training Command with its mission of helping Ukraine defend itself.

"This mission supports the United States enduring national interests that include security for U.S. allies and partners, respect for universal values, and a rules-based international world order that promotes peace and security," said Col. Christopher Costello, commander of the 56th SBCT. "I am confident that we have the right people and the right training to ensure the success of this mission."

The Soldiers and their families were praised for their dedication to duty and selfless service. Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, the Adjutant General of Pennsylvania, shared remarks during the ceremony.

Other Pennsylvania National Guard senior leaders were in attendance, including Maj. Gen. Michael Wegscheider, commander of the 28th Infantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, Deputy Adjutant General-Army.

Joint Multinational Training Group-Ukraine is the name given to the mission of training the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The 7th Army Training Command oversees the JMTG-U mission and is supported by numerous Army units. Since 2015, JMTG-U has trained the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In 2022, JMTG-U relocated to Grafenwoehr, Germany and resumed its role. Since then, the training has continued to evolve based on the needs of and in coordination with the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

HHC, 56th SBCT, will provide a command-and-control element to the JMTG-U mission. The unit, part of the 28th Infantry Division, is based in Horsham, Pennsylvania, but its Soldiers come from across the commonwealth and some neighboring states.

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