Today we had our deployment ceremony. As much as everyone complained about being on the parade field through 2 rehearsals and the actual ceremony, I think everyone felt like we had crossed a significant milestone. Our training is finally complete and we are about to start our journey overseas. As our Division Commander spoke to us, he reminded us that today is anniversary date of the D-Day landing in Normandy. It's impossible to put our mission in the same category as that historical event, but it does make me proud to be serving my country and to be recognized on this day.

During a break in the action.

At the deployment cookout.