---

As fireworks light the sky across America this Fourth of July, thousands of U.S. service members are watching from faraway lands, carrying out missions that uphold the very freedoms we celebrate.
This year, Independence Day coincides with RED FRIDAY—Remember Everyone Deployed—offering a solemn and timely reminder of the men and women who serve overseas, and the families who endure the weight of their absence.

From a remote airfield in the Middle East to the port city of Manta, Ecuador, American troops are standing watch—far from home, but never far from the hearts of those who remember.

---

🎖️ Three Deployments, One Nation

This week alone, the United States saw three key deployments or mission movements across three branches of service:

• Connecticut Army National Guard soldiers prepare for a fall 2025 deployment to the Middle East. While their boots haven’t left American soil just yet, families are already preparing for months of separation and sacrifice.
• In Dayton, Ohio, roughly 160 soldiers from the 1487th Transportation Company are deploying to support Operation Spartan Shield. These troops will provide critical logistical support across a vast region, ensuring U.S. and allied forces remain fully sustained.
• Off the Pacific coast of South America, the USNS Comfort (T-AH 20)—the Navy’s premier hospital ship—adjusted its schedule to begin its humanitarian mission in Manta, Ecuador on July 4th. While Americans celebrate with parades and fireworks, the crew of the Comfort will be providing vital medical aid to underserved communities as part of Continuing Promise 2025.

These stories reflect the breadth of U.S. military service: land, sea, and air; combat support and humanitarian outreach; Guard, Reserve, and Active Duty. They also reflect something else—what it means to serve on Independence Day.

---

🏠 Waiting at Home: The Silent Strength of Military Families

While many Americans gather for barbecues and family reunions, military spouses are setting one less place at the table. Children wave flags at parades without their parent beside them. Grandparents hold back tears during phone calls filled with static and delay.

The burden of service is shared—felt just as deeply in living rooms as it is in combat zones. For every deployed service member, there is a network of loved ones at home who are keeping life moving: raising children, managing bills, praying for safety, and holding down the fort.

Support systems like Family Readiness Groups, state National Guard Family Programs, and community veteran organizations continue to be the lifeline for those enduring the home front reality of war and separation.

---

🗽 Why Independence Day Matters More for Those Who Serve

The Fourth of July marks the birth of a nation founded on liberty and self-governance. But for deployed troops, it’s more than a date—it’s a cause they’ve sworn to protect.

From early revolutionaries at Valley Forge to soldiers rotating through Kuwait and Qatar today, service members have always been the living embodiment of American freedom. For many deployed this July 4th, the holiday carries profound weight: a reminder of home, a spark of pride, and a reaffirmation of why they serve.

Their presence overseas helps deter aggression, stabilize regions, and offer humanitarian relief. Their absence at home underscores their courage—and the importance of what they protect.

---

❤️ How You Can Honor Them This RED FRIDAY

On this Fourth of July RED FRIDAY, there are powerful ways you can stand in support:

• Wear red—a simple gesture that tells deployed troops they’re not forgotten.
• Fly the flag—in your yard, on your porch, or in your heart.
• Write letters—reach out through programs like Operation Gratitude to send notes of appreciation.
• Support military families—offer to help, donate, or simply listen.
• Take a moment of silence—amid the celebrations, pause to reflect on those who can’t be here today.

---

🧭 In Summary

• This RED FRIDAY falls on Independence Day, a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made to preserve freedom.
• Deployments continue across all branches—from Connecticut’s National Guard, to Ohio’s 1487th Transportation Company, to the Navy’s USNS Comfort in Ecuador.
• Families at home continue to carry the weight of separation with resilience and love.
• RED FRIDAY offers a chance to unite as Americans in visible support of our troops and their mission.

---

This Fourth of July, may we celebrate our independence with gratitude—and may we never forget those who defend it, wherever they are in the world.

---

Connecticut Army National Guard Unit Prepares for Middle East Deployment This Fall

HARTFORD, Conn. — A Connecticut Army National Guard unit is preparing to deploy to the Middle East this fall, continuing the state’s long-standing tradition of military service in support of U.S. operations abroad. The announcement, made by Major General Francis Evon, comes amid a busy year for Connecticut’s Guard forces, with multiple overseas deployments already underway in 2025.

Although the exact unit and destination were not publicly disclosed, officials confirmed that preparations are already in progress for the mission, which will place these Connecticut soldiers in a critical support role in the region.

A Mission Built on Readiness and Support

This fall deployment reflects Connecticut’s consistent commitment to international security operations. In March of this year, over 100 Connecticut National Guard troops were sent overseas, including members of the 1109th Theater Aviation Sustainment Maintenance Group (TASMG) and the 103rd Airlift Wing. Those units played essential roles in aviation sustainment, maintenance, and global air mobility—supporting not only American troops but also joint and allied missions.

The upcoming deployment is expected to involve similar support duties, including:

• Aviation maintenance and logistics support
• Base operations and mission sustainment roles
• Air transport and technical support functions

While not combat-focused, these roles are indispensable to the overall success of operations in the region. Troops assigned to these duties maintain and repair aircraft, manage logistics chains, and provide the operational backbone for larger-scale missions.

The Guard’s Commitment to Excellence

Major General Francis Evon, Adjutant General of the Connecticut National Guard, emphasized the importance of these soldiers’ contributions:

“The United States military’s success is carried on the backs of support personnel. Soldiers and Airmen like those deploying are vital to securing and maintaining our nation’s interests. They set the standard for future deployment rotations.”

The general’s remarks speak to the quiet professionalism of these units, many of whom deploy multiple times during their careers while balancing civilian jobs, education, and family responsibilities.

Supporting Families and Communities

Deployments affect more than the service members themselves—they challenge the families who remain at home. The Connecticut National Guard Family Program and local support networks are already in motion, providing resources to ease the burden of long separations. Services include:

• Pre-deployment briefings and family counseling
• Assistance with financial readiness and childcare resources
• Community gatherings and morale events during deployment

Family readiness groups and veterans’ organizations across Connecticut play a vital role in sustaining the morale and well-being of those left behind.

A Shared Legacy

Connecticut’s military contributions span centuries, from colonial militias to deployments in Iraq, Afghanistan, and global humanitarian missions. This fall’s deployment continues that legacy. For many of these soldiers, the journey ahead will be a first deployment. For others, it will mark a return to duty in a familiar theater.

Each member steps forward voluntarily, fully aware of the challenges ahead. As they prepare to depart, they do so with the full backing of their communities, their state, and a grateful nation.

A Quiet Reminder: Red Friday

Though the focus remains on this specific deployment, it’s worth noting that Red Friday—Remember Everyone Deployed—serves as a weekly reminder of the many service members overseas. Wearing red on Fridays offers a simple but visible show of support for those like the Guard members preparing to leave this fall.

---

As Connecticut’s National Guard prepares to deploy once again, the mission remains clear: provide unwavering support, uphold national interests, and return home with pride. The strength of these soldiers lies not only in their training—but in the families, neighbors, and communities that stand with them.

---