As part of the nation’s strategy to degrade and destroy ISIL, about 200 soldiers from the Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion will deploy to Baghdad and Iraq. The other 300 soldiers will deploy to the Central Command area of responsibility.
A casing ceremony was held at Victory Park on Fort Riley Wednesday morning for those soldiers going overseas.
The sound of the cannon officially started the ceremony, and Master Sgt. Mike Lavigne ,the 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs non-commissioned officer provided some opening remarks.
Major General Paul E Funk II, Commanding General of the 1st Infantry Division and Fort Riley, also provided some comments. “We prepare to case our division colors again, because we’ve been called. Soldiers of the division’s headquarters and headquarters battalion will advise and assist Iraq’s security forces to enable a global coalition”, said Funk.
After the ceremony concluded with the playing and singing of “The Big Red One Song” and “The Army Song”, the media had the opportunity to address Funk.
He commented that he “absolutely” hopes the rest of the nation can realize how important Fort Riley is, especially with the decisions coming down the road regarding troop reductions.
Governor, Sam Brownback and Congressman, Tim Huelskamp were both also in attendance.
