HELENA — The Montana Army Aviation Support Facility sent the 1-189th General Services Aviation Battalion off for its one-year deployment in support of “Operation Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield.”
The ceremony was held to recognize nearly 300 soldiers before their journey took flight to another base in the U.S. for their pre-mobilization training site.
The troops are set to be away from home for about 12 months.
Governor Steve Bullock made an appearance in support of those serving and the sacrifice their families will be making for the next year.
A soldier headed to the plane, Andrea Bieber, a medic, quickly spoke with MTN about what lies ahead.
This is her second year in the U.S. Army.
Bieber and her husband Casey wedded last month just before deploying.
“It's pretty special...I mean I got to spend time with my family, Casey's family, and our daughter...so, it's been a little rough,” said Bieber.
Bieber continued, “Now, I'm going to choke-up of course, kept it together this entire time...it's really special for us to all be able to spend time with our families, and them actually being able to see us off instead of just like, 'OK, going to be Army, see ya!’ in a year.' They actually get to take the time and say goodbye.”
The troops will be deploying after they complete their pre-mobilization training course.
