Michigan Army National Guard Infantry Battalion Receives Deployment Excellence Award

LANSING, MICH. - The Michigan Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 125th Infantry Regiment was recognized for deployment excellence at a ceremony held in Richmond, Virginia earlier this summer. Accepting the award from the Chief of Staff of the Army, General George W. Casey Jr., was Lt. Col. Ryan E. Connelly, commander of the 1-125th Infantry Regiment.

The "Viking Battalion," based in Flint, Michigan, was selected to receive the Deployment Excellence Award for overall excellence in training, logistics and administration during its 12-month , deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008.

Connelly said, "This award captures the efforts of over 600 Viking soldiers through a year-and-a-half process and is a reflection of their professionalism and dedication."

The unit deployed more than 600 soldiers to the al-Anbar province in Iraq to conduct Security Force Operations. While in the region, the 1-125th conducted more than 2,100 combat missions, provided security and advisory support to Iraqi Security Forces throughout the al-Anbar province, and served as the I Marine Expeditionary Force's main effort during the transition of security from U.S. forces to al-Anbar provincial Iraqi control. Upon arrival to Camp Ramadi, the battalion received more than 230 wheeled vehicles that had an initial operational readiness below 10%. The battalion turned over a fleet of vehicles to the incoming battalion at 94% operational readiness.

The purpose of the Deployment Excellence Award is to recognize units for outstanding deployment accomplishments that meet or exceed established deployment standards and capture and share innovative deployment initiatives that have improved the deployment process. This year 122 units competed, and the 1-125th was the National Guard winner in the large unit category.

"The accomplishments made by the Soldiers of the 125th during their deployment are truly impressive," said Maj. Gen. Thomas G. Cutler, commander of the Michigan National Guard. "To have their skill recognized at the national level is a terrific honor for them and the Michigan Guard."

The competition and award process begins with an Army Command nominating one or more of its units. Then evaluators from the U.S. Army Transportation, Ordinance and Quartermaster Schools travel worldwide conducting on-site evaluations and judging the units nominated.

--END--

For more information about the 1-125th contact Angela Simpson at 517-481-8135.