RED Friday, observed every Friday, is a powerful tradition reminding us of the sacrifices made by those in uniform. The acronym RED stands for Remember Everyone Deployed and calls on Americans to honor the brave men and women serving far from home. Whether stationed across the globe in conflict zones or fulfilling critical peacekeeping missions, these service members endure immense challenges to protect our freedoms and uphold national security.
This tradition is more than just a call to wear red—it’s a way to show solidarity, respect, and gratitude for the selflessness of our troops and their families. On RED Friday, we not only think of those currently deployed but also reflect on the countless sacrifices service members have made throughout history. Communities, organizations, and individuals come together to send a clear message: You are not forgotten, and your service is deeply appreciated.
As we move into another RED Friday, this edition of the Connecticut Veterans Bulletin highlights recent military deployments, reflecting the commitment and resilience of those serving. From the Illinois National Guard preparing for missions in Africa and Europe to strategic U.S. Air Force operations in the Pacific and Coast Guard efforts to secure our borders, the stories remind us of the vital work our service members perform every day.
“Small But Mighty” Illinois National Guard Unit Prepares for Deployment
20 January 2025
SULLIVAN, Ill. – The Illinois Army National Guard’s 634th Brigade Support Battalion Forward Logistics Element (FLE) has been activated for deployment to Africa and Europe, marking an important mission for this dedicated team of Soldiers.
A mobilization ceremony was held on January 20 at the Illinois Army National Guard Readiness Center in Sullivan, where Brig. Gen. Lenny Williams, Assistant Adjutant General – Army and Commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, praised the unit’s mission and its critical role in supporting U.S. forces overseas.
“This unit is small but mighty,” Williams said. “Your mission is critical. Take care of each other, and think about the legacy you’ll leave behind when you return home.”
Hand-Selected for Excellence
The 634th Brigade Support Battalion Forward Logistics Element, a compact team of about a dozen Soldiers, is designed to support forward-deployed warfighters with a range of military occupational specialties. According to Lt. Col. Allison Jacobs, Commander of the 634th Brigade Support Battalion, each Soldier was carefully chosen for this deployment.
“I have no doubt you will make us extremely proud,” Jacobs said. “Logistics win wars, and your work will be a testament to that.”
Capt. Donald Tucker will lead the unit overseas, with teams initially split between Africa and Europe. Tucker will take one team to Africa, while 1st Sgt. Colton Love will command another team in Germany.
A Mission of Flexibility and Precision
As they prepare for deployment, Capt. Tucker emphasized the importance of adaptability in their mission. “Flexibility is key to overcoming obstacles,” Tucker said. “Our goal is to meet logistical needs with precision and anticipation, always staying steps ahead.”
The unit is expected to rotate between multiple locations in support of U.S. military operations, demonstrating their readiness and ability to adapt to dynamic environments.
Support from Families and Community
Brig. Gen. Williams acknowledged the sacrifices made by the families of these Soldiers, noting their essential role in allowing the troops to focus on the mission ahead. “Your support is the foundation of our success,” he said, addressing the families in attendance.
The Soldiers of the 634th Brigade Support Battalion are set to return next autumn, carrying forward their legacy of service, dedication, and excellence.
This deployment highlights the enduring commitment of the Illinois Army National Guard to global security, reinforcing the vital role of logistics in military operations.
B-1B Bombers Deployed to Guam Amid Pacific Tensions
21 January 2025
The U.S. military has deployed four B-1B Lancer bombers to Guam, signaling its commitment to maintaining stability and readiness in the Pacific region amid escalating tensions in the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and the Korean Peninsula. The deployment reflects the ongoing strategic operations designed to deter adversarial aggression while strengthening partnerships across the Indo-Pacific.
Strategic Positioning in Guam
Guam, the westernmost U.S. territory, serves as a critical military hub in the Pacific. Located just over 1,600 miles from Taiwan and the South China Sea, and 1,800 miles from South Korea, the island offers an ideal staging ground for rapid response operations. This deployment underlines Guam’s role as a centerpiece in the U.S. military’s “second island chain” strategy, aimed at countering China’s regional influence and maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Mission Details
The bombers, part of the 28th Bomb Wing based at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, arrived at Andersen Air Force Base as part of Bomber Task Force 25-1. According to photos released by the U.S. Air Force, the first pair of bombers landed on January 17, with additional aircraft following shortly thereafter. These rotations align with the National Defense Strategy’s objectives of “strategic predictability and operational unpredictability.”
The B-1B Lancer, known for its supersonic speed and extensive payload capacity, can carry up to 75,000 pounds of precision and non-precision munitions. This includes bombs, naval mines, and missiles, making it a versatile asset for deterring aggression and projecting power across the region.
Regional Context
The deployment comes as China continues to assert its claims over Taiwan and disputed territories in the South China Sea. Simultaneously, North Korea’s ongoing weapons tests add another layer of complexity to regional security. These developments underscore the importance of U.S. readiness and the ability to project power in the face of potential threats.
Last week, U.S. F-35A stealth fighters also arrived at Kadena Air Base on Okinawa, Japan, located just 370 miles from Taiwan. Together, Guam and Okinawa form vital components of a multi-layered defense strategy aimed at bolstering regional stability and deterring adversarial aggression.
Operational Objectives
The Bomber Task Force missions are designed to demonstrate the Pacific Air Forces’ capability to deter and, if necessary, dominate adversaries alongside allied and partner nations. These missions showcase the adaptability of the U.S. bomber fleet, which operates from both mainland U.S. bases and overseas locations on a rotational basis.
While the precise timeline for the B-1B bombers’ first mission from Guam remains undisclosed, this deployment highlights the U.S. Air Force’s readiness to address contingencies involving China and North Korea. The message is clear: the U.S. remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring regional stability and upholding international norms.
This deployment underscores the vital role of service members stationed in the Pacific, showcasing their dedication to maintaining peace and security across a dynamic and strategically significant region.
U.S. Coast Guard Deploys Naval Forces to Strengthen Security Amid Increased Migration and Drug Trafficking Threats
22 January 2025
The U.S. Coast Guard has mobilized naval assets near Cuba and other critical maritime zones following directives from the White House under the Trump administration. This deployment is part of a broader effort to curb irregular migration, drug trafficking, and other potential threats to U.S. borders.
A Comprehensive Security Initiative
Admiral Kevin Lunday, acting commander of the Coast Guard, announced the deployment on Tuesday, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to safeguarding America’s maritime borders. “As the world’s foremost maritime safety agency, we play a vital role in protecting our nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty,” Lunday stated.
The operation will focus on several high-priority areas:
- Southeast maritime borders near Florida to prevent mass migration from Cuba and Haiti.
- Waters near Alaska, Hawai’i, and U.S. territories, including Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.
- Maritime borders between the Bahamas and southern Florida, as well as the Gulf of Mexico.
Lunday highlighted the collaboration between the Coast Guard, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense to detect, deter, and disrupt illegal activities before they reach U.S. shores.
Changes in Immigration Policy
These actions align with a series of new policies from the Trump administration aimed at tightening border controls. Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Benjamine Huffman announced an enhanced phase of immigration enforcement, prioritizing individuals with criminal records.
Additionally, the Biden-era humanitarian parole program has been revoked. This program previously allowed temporary entry for over 1.5 million migrants from nations such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Haiti. It will now be replaced by a case-by-case evaluation process, potentially complicating legal migration pathways.
Broader Implications
The deployment reflects the administration’s commitment to securing U.S. borders while addressing critical challenges such as mass migration and transnational crime. The focus on key maritime routes underscores the importance of a robust and coordinated approach to safeguarding national security.
FAQs
Why is the Coast Guard increasing its presence near Cuba?
The deployment is part of the Trump administration’s strategy to curb irregular migration and drug trafficking while enhancing border security.
What areas are included in the Coast Guard’s expanded operations?
Operations target maritime borders near Cuba, Florida, Alaska, Hawai’i, and various U.S. territories, including the Gulf of Mexico.
How will new immigration policies affect Cuban migrants?
The revocation of the humanitarian parole program and stricter enforcement measures could complicate legal migration for Cuban nationals.
What is the Coast Guard’s role in addressing migration by sea?
The Coast Guard deploys cutters, aircraft, and specialized forces to intercept and deter illegal migration and drug trafficking efforts.
Filed Under: Coast Guard, U.S. Military News, Border Security, International Affairs, Immigration Policies, Trump Administration.
