Honoring Our Deployed Heroes: A RED Friday Salute to Service
10 January 2025
This RED Friday, the CVB community stands united in honoring the bravery and commitment of National Guard Soldiers who have answered the call to serve. As we wear red to Remember Everyone Deployed, we reflect on the incredible sacrifices being made by those who represent our nation with pride and dedication.
From the cold streets of Buffalo, New York, to the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, men and women from our National Guard have stepped forward to protect freedom on a global scale. Each deployment carries its own challenges, but these Soldiers face them with unwavering resolve and a deep sense of duty.
In New York, 145 Soldiers from the 152nd Engineer Support Company bid farewell to their families at the Connecticut Street Armory on January 2. Headed to the Horn of Africa, these engineers will contribute to base security improvements and Soldier welfare projects. Their journey includes weeks of training in Fort Bliss, Texas, before arriving at Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti for a 10-month mission.
Meanwhile, in Pennsylvania, over 20 Soldiers from the 528th Finance Company prepare for a year-long deployment to the Middle East. Their mission supports Operation Inherent Resolve, providing critical financial services that sustain combat operations and ensure the welfare of troops in the region. Their departure ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap highlighted the vital role they will play in the fight against Islamic State militants.
As we honor these deployments, we remember the enduring presence of U.S. forces in global hotspots. From Africa to the Middle East, the dedication of these Soldiers ensures stability and safety for millions. Families at home also make tremendous sacrifices, lending strength and support to their loved ones from afar.
Today, let us show our solidarity by wearing red and keeping these brave men and women in our thoughts. Their commitment to service reflects the very best of our nation, and their efforts remind us of the values we hold dear.
As the CVB community, we express our gratitude to these heroes and reaffirm our pledge to Remember Everyone Deployed. Together, we honor their courage and await their safe return.
New York Army National Guard Engineers Begin Deployment to Horn of Africa
6 January 2025
BUFFALO, N.Y. – One hundred and forty-five soldiers from the New York Army National Guard’s 152nd Engineer Support Company are preparing to deploy to the Horn of Africa as part of a mission under Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA).
The soldiers were honored during a formal farewell ceremony at the Connecticut Street Armory on January 2. They will spend four weeks training at Fort Bliss, Texas, before deploying to Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti for a 10-month mission. Their return is anticipated in November.
Maj. Gen. Ray Shields, adjutant general of New York, addressed the soldiers and commended them for their dedication and teamwork. “You are deploying as part of the greatest team our nation has: the U.S. Army,” Shields said. “While overseas, you represent not only yourself but also our country and the New York Army National Guard. Deploying as a unit is a team sport.”
A Mission of Support and Development
The 152nd Engineer Support Company, an element of the 204th Engineer Battalion based in Buffalo, will focus on improving base security and constructing facilities to support soldier welfare and operations. Company Commander Capt. Daniel Roche highlighted the unit’s extensive preparation, noting that the soldiers have spent six months training at Fort Drum and other military training sites.
“This deployment reflects the culmination of months of rigorous preparation,” Roche said. “Our soldiers are ready to contribute to the mission and uphold the high standards of the National Guard.”
For many in the unit, this marks their first deployment. Sgt. Nathaniel Romero, a resident of New York City, expressed his anticipation for the experience. “I’ve noticed that those who’ve deployed carry themselves differently,” Romero said. “I’m excited to see how this will shape me as a senior enlisted member when I return.”
Spc. Haley Holmes, from Fillmore, New York, shared her pride in representing the National Guard on this mission. “As a Guardsman, it feels great to show people what we’re capable of,” Holmes said. “This deployment helps change perspectives—people see that we’re actually part of the Army.”
A Regional Focus on Stability
CJTF-HOA, which encompasses approximately 2,000 U.S. military personnel, oversees operations in countries including Djibouti, Somalia, Kenya, Sudan, and Ethiopia. The task force aims to promote stability, counter extremist threats, and enhance security partnerships across the region.
The deployment of the 152nd Engineer Support Company reflects the U.S. Army’s commitment to these goals, with the soldiers contributing to infrastructure improvements and operational readiness.
As the soldiers begin their journey, their mission exemplifies the dedication and professionalism of the National Guard in addressing challenges overseas while representing their communities back home.
Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers Deploy to Middle East for Operation Inherent Resolve
6 January 2025
More than 20 Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers from the 528th Finance Company, 213th Regional Support Command, are set to deploy for a year to the Middle East in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. This U.S.-led mission, launched a decade ago, is focused on combating Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria.
During a departure ceremony held on January 4, 2025, at Fort Indiantown Gap, Pennsylvania, the soldiers were honored in the presence of their families and loved ones. Col. Jeremy M. Coleman, commander of the 213th Regional Support Group, highlighted the importance of their mission, stating, “You have a critical role as a finance unit in supporting combat operations. Your contributions directly impact the success of the mission and the welfare and safety of other deployed soldiers.”
Operation Inherent Resolve remains a vital effort in stabilizing the region. In December 2024, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on Syria-based ISIS camps, resulting in the deaths of 12 Islamic State militants. Meanwhile, Iranian-backed forces have targeted U.S. facilities in Iraq with attack drones, rockets, and missiles over the past year, reflecting the ongoing complexity of the mission.
The deployment of these Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers underscores the United States’ continued commitment to supporting Iraqi forces and combating terrorism in the region. The 528th Finance Company will play a crucial role in ensuring the operational readiness and welfare of U.S. troops stationed abroad.
Deployed US Troops: Anchoring Stability in Post-Assad Syria
7 December 2025
In the aftermath of Bashar al-Assad’s regime collapse, the United States has maintained a significant military presence in northeastern Syria, with 2,000 troops stationed in the region. This deployment goes beyond the decade-long anti-ISIL mission, reflecting broader strategic objectives to shape Syria’s future while countering regional threats and safeguarding key resources.
Countering the ISIL Threat
Despite the territorial defeat of ISIL in 2017, the extremist group continues to pose a significant threat. According to Pentagon reports, ISIL launched 153 attacks in Iraq and Syria in the first half of 2024, a rate that has doubled compared to the previous year.
The US troops work closely with the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which manage prisons housing thousands of ISIL fighters. This partnership aims to prevent ISIL’s resurgence while stabilizing the region. The presence of American forces deters clashes between the SDF and Turkish-backed groups, which could further destabilize the fragile security landscape.
Securing Strategic Leverage
The northeastern region of Syria, where US troops are stationed, holds immense strategic value. It encompasses nearly one-third of Syria’s territory and contains approximately 70% of the nation’s oil and gas fields. These resources are essential for Syria’s economic recovery but are also critical leverage points for the US as it seeks to influence the country’s reconstruction.
During the Trump administration, the US made its intentions clear when troops were tasked with securing oil fields to prevent them from falling into the hands of ISIL or the Syrian government. Today, this control remains a bargaining chip as Syria’s new government, led by Ahmed al-Sharaa, seeks to rebuild the nation’s infrastructure.
Navigating Regional Dynamics
The presence of US troops also sends a strong message to regional actors, including Turkiye and Israel. Turkiye, a NATO ally, has long opposed the SDF, labeling them as terrorists due to their ties to the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). By maintaining a military foothold, the US signals its commitment to supporting the SDF while deterring Turkish aggression in the region.
At the same time, Israel, a close US ally, has expressed concerns about potential shifts in Syrian alliances. The fall of Assad weakened Iran’s influence in Syria, but Turkiye’s growing role in the region raises questions about its long-term impact on Israeli security. The US military presence provides a stabilizing force as these dynamics evolve.
The Uncertain Political Landscape
With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office on January 20, the future of US policy in Syria remains uncertain. Trump has expressed a desire to end “endless wars” and reduce military involvement abroad, but key figures in his incoming administration have historically supported maintaining US troops in Syria.
The second Trump administration could face internal debates over whether to continue the current mission or scale back American involvement. For now, US forces remain a critical component of stability in northeastern Syria, ensuring that extremist groups are contained, regional alliances are balanced, and Syria’s reconstruction aligns with US interests.
A Mission Beyond the Battlefield
The role of US troops in Syria extends far beyond counterterrorism. Their presence underscores America’s broader strategic priorities in the region, from securing vital resources to influencing the geopolitical landscape. As Syria transitions into a new era, these deployed service members remain pivotal in shaping the country’s future while safeguarding regional stability.
