Every Friday, we wear red to send a simple, yet unshakable message to those serving far from home: You are not forgotten. RED Friday—Remember Everyone Deployed—is more than a tradition; it is a nationwide pledge of respect, gratitude, and solidarity.
As we enter National Military Appreciation Month, the stories of service spanning the globe remind us why this observance matters. This week, the weight of that mission hits particularly close to home in Connecticut.

THE HEART OF THE MISSION: CONNECTICUT’S 192nd MP BATTALION

While the national dialogue often treats the Middle East as a series of abstract headlines, the reality was felt at Bradley Air National Guard Base this week. On April 28, approximately 150 Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Company (HHC), 192nd Military Police Battalion, officially departed for the CENTCOM AOR.
These Soldiers were tapped by the Pentagon on short notice to support Operation Epic Fury. They didn’t ask for more time or look for a reason to say no—they packed their gear and moved. As Maj. Gen. Francis J. Evon, Jr. noted during the ceremony, most will never fully appreciate the cost of stepping away from a routine and a family to answer such a call. For the 192nd, this is a mission of command and security; for the families in West Hartford and across the state, it is the start of the long watch.

THE HEAVY HITTERS: STANDING THE LINE

The 192nd joins a historic concentration of American power currently enforcing stability:

• The Triple Threat: For the first time since 2003, three Carrier Strike Groups—the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78), and USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)—are operating simultaneously in the region. Together, they bring over 200 aircraft and 15,000 Sailors and Marines to the fight.
• The Strategic Blockade: U.S. forces continue to enforce a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring the mission objectives of Operation Epic Fury are met with overwhelming resolve.

WHY WE WEAR RED

Behind the unit designations and tactical updates are the families who stood on the tarmac at Bradley this week. We wear red today to ensure their sacrifice is never met with silence. It is a symbol of a grateful community that refuses to forget the courage of those currently standing the watch.
Until they all come home.