10.21.13

Hoeven Honors 2-285th Aviation Regiment, Families at Send-off Ceremony

BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined the send-off ceremony for the C Company, 2nd Battalion, 285th Aviation Regiment of the North Dakota National Guard (NDNG) in Bismarck. The unit of 36 soldiers is set for a one-year deployment in Kosovo, its second deployment since the beginning of the Global War on Terrorism. The unit was first deployed to Iraq from October 2009 to October 2010.

“I remember when, as governor, I had the honor of both seeing you off to your deployment in Iraq and also the honor of welcoming you back home on your return,” Hoeven said. “Now, as we gather once again to see you off, we cannot begin to thank you and your families for your dedication, sacrifice and service to our country. We know you will serve the multinational forces in Kosovo, as well as you served in Iraq. We are so proud of you, and we look forward to your safe return.”

The C Company 2-285th Aviation Regiment is headquartered in Bismarck, with the soldiers hailing from ten North Dakota communities and three Minnesota communities. The unit will serve as part of the KFOR 18 Aviation Task Force, in support of the US-led Multinational Battle Group East, focusing on the tactical transport of troops, VIP transport, external sling-loads, cargo, casualty evacuation, as well as assistance and training for Kosovo security forces.