EDINBURGH — On Wednesday, September 25, approximately 600 Indiana National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division soldiers gathered for a heartfelt farewell ceremony at Camp Atterbury. The troops are set to deploy to the Middle East to support Operation Spartan Shield, a mission to enhance defense relationships and build capacity through multinational exercises and leader engagements.
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Dan Degelow, the division’s commanding general, commended the Soldiers for their commitment. “The men and women assembled here today have answered the call to serve our state and nation,” he said. “You warriors have trained for this important mission, you have given and continue to give of yourselves, and you stand ready for what lies ahead.”
The Soldiers will begin their overseas deployment, which is expected to last approximately nine months, following a month of additional training at Fort Cavazos, Texas. Their mobilization period will extend for about a year.
Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, the Indiana National Guard’s adjutant general, thanked the families for their unwavering support. “The country owes a great deal of gratitude that we can never repay,” Lyles remarked, acknowledging the vital role families play in ensuring the safety and freedom of the nation.
Over the past year, the division Soldiers have engaged in rigorous training, including a warfighter exercise in June and medical response training in February, all in preparation for their mission. Many members of the unit previously deployed for the same mission in 2019, returning in April 2020 amidst the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. This deployment will see them replace Soldiers from the 34th Infantry Division.
The 38th Infantry Division, also known as the Cyclone Division and headquartered in Indianapolis, has a storied history dating back to 1917. As one of eight National Guard divisions, it is prepared for both state and national missions in various operating environments and provides command and control over Army forces engaged in critical operations.
As the Soldiers embark on this significant journey, they carry the support and pride of their families and the communities they serve.
