Community packs sendoff ceremony for 1157th Transportation Company

By 1st Sgt. Vaughn R. Larson
112th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Gov. Scott Walker and senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders joined several hundred family members and friends at the Experimental Aircraft Association's Eagle Hangar in Oshkosh Feb. 4 to bid farewell to the 1157th Transportation Company.

Capt. Christian Menden, commander of the Oshkosh-based unit, said the 1157th was ready to continue its training at Camp Shelby, Miss.

"Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers have a great reputation as highly dedicated workers, and now it's time to prove that once again" Menden said. "I know the road ahead will be challenging and there may be many changes, but we will complete the mission."

State Command Sgt. Maj. George Stopper urged the Soldiers who had deployed before to support those who are entering their first deployment.

"You'll go forth and show the world what we already know," Stopper said, "that the best Soldiers in the inventory today are part of the Wisconsin Army National Guard."

Brig. Gen. Mark Anderson, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard, expressed his pride in the 1157th.

"I am absolutely confident from the top down that you are going to do a phenomenal job," Anderson said, "because you are Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers, and I know that's the caliber of Soldiers we have in our formation."

Anderson also thanked the families for their support of the 1157th.

"They could not do what they do without the support and love you provide for your Soldier," he said.

U.S. Rep. Tom Petri quoted President Theodore Roosevelt in saying that character is the decisive factor in the lives of individuals and nations.

"We've been blessed that men and women have stepped forward again and again to make sure that our freedoms endure and that our country is strong," Petri said. "You embody the spirit of Citizen-Soldiers that makes our country great."

Maj. Gen. Don Dunbar, adjutant general of Wisconsin, noted that the 1157th traces its origins to a rifle company that was formed April 8, 1880 - a legacy that has seen Guardsmen from Oshkosh in the Spanish-American War as well as both world wars. The commitment endures as the current unit will soon begin its fourth deployment to southwest Asia. He also commended the large turnout for the ceremony.

"This doesn't happen everywhere," Dunbar said. "It means a lot to the Soldiers and their families."

Gov. Scott Walker also praised the 1157th.

"You need to remember that you are the best of the best," he said. "You are well trained and well equipped. You're ready for this mission."

Walker noted that the 1157th deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm in 1990, and supported Hurricane Katrina relief efforts in 2005, as well as deployed to Fort Bragg in 2002 - with some serving in the Central Command area of operations - and Iraq in 2006. He recalled Wisconsin's veterans from previous wars, and said the members of the 1157th would continue their fine tradition of representing the state.

Pfc. Brian Johnson may reflect that tradition. The 41-year-old from Green Bay, Wis., joined the Wisconsin Army National Guard in 2008 for the challenge and for a rewarding experience. He said that people who experience a thrill upon hearing the National Anthem played will understand why he enlisted at age 38. He also said he expects an enriching experience and strong friendships from his first deployment.

"Helping out the people in their country and also supporting our Soldiers over there," he said.

Spc. William Betzlaff of Oshkosh has been with the 1157th for 14 years, and deployed three times. He said he plans to share his experiences with younger Soldiers.

"Just how things go," he explained. "Where to be when we get over there, how to do things, how to take care of things so that after a month or so they're going it as good as I can do it."

Menden agreed, citing Vince Lombardi's quote about individual commitment to a group effort.

"That's what makes a team work, a company work, a society work and a civilization work," Menden said. "And it's commitment that will allow the 1157th to continue its success."