1161st Transportation Extended

Comments by Brigadier General Gordon D. Toney
Assistant Adjutant General, Army   -   Posted Apr, 2004

     As you all know, The Secretary of Defense has approved the delay of redeployment for selected units currently serving in Iraq. This will affect the 1161st Transportation Company.

     Information from the Department of the Army has authorized continued deployment of the 1161st and includes an extension projected period of up to 120 days. This time frame does not include an amount of time spent here, back in the US, in completing their de-mobilization from federal active service.

     We can all be immensely proud of the men and women of the 1161st, their performance, skill, sacrifices, and tremendous accomplishments. They have achieved significant distinction during this long and challenging deployment. It is not a small point to note that their extension of duty is a note of compliment. They have been identified by the US Central Command in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as having performed admirably and successfully in their previous months in the theatre of operations. As a result, they were selected to continue to make essential contributions during this extension of duty.

     Understanding that this presents a tremendous disappointment to family members and loved ones who have anticipated the return of their soldiers, I ask you now to muster additional courage to be patient and supportive. Your support is critical and your patience is essential to their success as they continue their missions.

     Please realize that as the Assistant Adjutant General for the WA Army National Guard, that on behalf of the Governor and the people of the State of Washington that we are grateful and appreciative of your sacrifice, and we all stand with you in patience and anticipation of the homecoming in just a few short months, of these great men and women.

     Gordon D. Toney
     Brigadier General
     Assistant Adjutant General, Army