About 100 Guam National Guard soldiers deploy to the Middle East

Family and friends of the Ayuyu Company, 1st-294th Infantry Regiment - Chamorri battalion watch as their soldiers get ready to head out for deployment.

Command Sgt. Maj. Celso Leonen speaking directly to them during a send-off ceremony held at the Tiyan High gym on Saturday.

"We’re going to need more of your support in this time of this deployment. You’ve sacrificed a lot and put in a lot of time and effort," they said. "We are going to need your help to continue to support your soldier."

About 100 soldiers with the Guam National Guard set off on a one-year deployment in the Middle East to participate in Operation Spartan Shield.

According to the military, the operation is underway to build partner capacity in the Middle East to promote regional self-reliance and increase security.

"I just want you to know that you have your NCO’s and you guys are in good hands. Soldiers of Alpha Company take care of each other because that’s all you got," Leonen said. "Stay focused on what you got to do out there. That is your mission. Don’t worry. Your family programs got your families here. They will be taken care of."

The support was highlighted during the ceremony.

The guard members will spend a couple of weeks preparing in Fort Bliss, Texas before heading to the Middle East.

Guam Guard chief of joint staff, Col. Sheila Compton-Rivo spoke on the importance of the deployment.

“This mission reinforces the importance of the Guam National Guard on the world stage," she said.  America depends on you to live up to your oath, to conduct yourselves in keeping with the highest standards and to perform as the greatest military the world has ever known.”

A military mission that includes each one of them safely returning home.

“Your professional growth as the future of this organization will be the biggest return on the investment of this deployment," Compton-Rivo said. "I want all of you to bring the lessons learned and experience gained back home with you to improve our organization in our mission to defend Guam.”

Battalion commander Lt. Col. Glen Mesa echoed that confidence for our troops.

“I am confident that the Ayuyu Company will represent the battalion, the Guam National Guard, and the island of Guam well in the next year. The next time we will see them will be at their welcome home ceremony a year from now," he said. "To the families and employers, thank you for your continued support to our soldiers. Without you and your support, we couldn’t do what we need to do.”

Island leaders including Lt. Gov.  Josh Tenorio also attended the ceremony.

“I want to take the time to say how strategic it is for you to be playing this role at this time…The focus of the world and its security is shining very bright on this part of the world and in particular on our island," he said. 

While the soldiers showed confidence in the mission they will undergo for their island.

Command Sgt. Maj. Leonen also recognized Sgt. Steve Topasna at the ceremony.

All offering a moment of silence for his brother, Dave, who recently died in a car crash in Sinajana.

"Steve’s brother passed away a few days," he said. "He was also a soldier of the Guam National Guard at one point. So please take a few minutes and let’s say a prayer for that service member…Thank you, Steve and condolences."