Approximately 190 soldiers from the Illinois Army National Guard’s 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, based in Peoria, and Company B, 935th Aviation Support Battalion, based in Kankakee, mobilized for an overseas mission to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in a ceremony February 7, at the 182nd Airlift Wing, in Peoria. During deployment, the unit will provide aviation support to U.S. forces in the Middle East.
“In its 300-year history, every member of the Illinois National Guard always has been ready, always there to defend our homeland,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker. “To the soldiers of the 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment, you make us proud, including by standing at the forefront of innovation by field-testing the UH-60V Blackhawk helicopter. Your willingness helped enhance our military capabilities to take us into the future.”
Pritzker also thanked the family, friends, and employers of the 106th’s soldiers. “Thank you to those who toiled in the background doing what is necessary to ensure the 106th was ready for this deployment,” he said. “The Illinois National Guard would not be able to complete its missions, from combat to emergency response, without your sacrifices. On behalf of Illinois, we are eternally grateful.”
Maj. Gen. Rich Neely, the Adjutant General of Illinois, and Commander of the Illinois National Guard, thanked everyone for attending the ceremony. “We’ve recognized a lot of dignitaries and important people today,” he said. “But the most important people are the soldiers standing in front of us who will deploy to the Middle East and support this mission and our country. The rest of us are just here to recognize and honor your amazing service and what you are about to do as you carry the flag of freedom around the world.”
Neely said the Illinois National Guard must continue to lead the nation with tech skills. “That’s exactly what you have done, and you set the bar very high,” he said. “We are very proud of each of you. You have answered the call, because this mission is very important. Each of you truly epitomize the value of the soldier and what it is to be a member of the National Guard, men and women who protect their neighbors and defend their nation.”
Lt. Col. Jason Celletti, Commander of the 106th Aviation Regiment, said it has been nearly 20 years since the battalion left for its first deployment overseas.
“Task Force Blackhorse has answered the call time and time again in the history of this battalion,” he said. “I couldn’t be more proud of the professionalism of the soldiers here today.”