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1/34th BCT receives big farewell at Camp Shelby

By Sgt. Jackquline Herring
March 31, 2006

CAMP SHELBY, Miss., (Army News Service, March 31, 2006) – “We issued more than 3,000 vehicle registration passes when initially we were told that only 1,800 would be needed,” said Maj. Robert Watras, provost marshal for Mobilization Center Shelby.

He was describing the magnitude of support families, friends, businesses, local and state leaders, military leaders and others offered to the 1/34th Brigade Combat Team during a farewell ceremony at Camp Shelby, Miss., March 16.

More than 5,000 people attended the rain-soaked event that concluded three days of activities hosted by the 34th BCT, Minnesota businesses and citizens, First U.S. Army, Mobilization Center Shelby and other military organizations.

The farewell event featured several key Minnesota and military leaders who praised the 34th BCT for completing the tough “theater immersion” training and preparing to deploy to fight the war on terrorism.

“It takes hard work; it takes people who are willing to walk the walk,” stated Governor Tim Pawlenty of Minnesota. “The real heroes are the men and women who serve in the United States Army.”

The first day’s activities included a formation and aerial photo of the famed “Redbull” unit crest, a USO concert, a performance by the 313th Army Reserve band, and local blues and country singers.

On the second day, Stockyard Meats of Minnesota, and more than 65 volunteer leaders who call themselves the “Serve Our Troops” group, grilled nearly 8,000 steaks for the troops and their families.

The 34th BCT was mobilized at Mobilization Center Shelby in the fall of 2005.

“They’re well prepared, they’re well equipped and ready to go,” Lt. Gen. Russell L. Honoré, commanding general of the U.S. First Army, told family members.

The 34th BCT will deploy immediately from Camp Shelby and serve a one-year tour in Iraq.

(Editor’s note: Sgt. Jackquline Herring serves with the Mobilization Center Shelby Public Affairs Office.)