Lewes gives Army Reservists proper send-off
More than 100 Army Reservists of the 946th Transportation Company reported to Lewes Nov. 5 for a weekend of preparation before heading off for a yearlong deployment.
The soldiers will be aiding with Operation Allies Welcome, working with the integration of 13,000 Afghan refugees at Fort McCoy in Wisconsin.
At a deployment ceremony Nov. 7 at St. Jude the Apostle Church, Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, called on the soldiers to be the next level of heroes.
“[The American flag] matters to those people,” said Smyk, a former Army National Guard member and retired Delaware State Police trooper. “It might not be their flag – they are still patriots of their country – but they’re going to look at you as the next continuation of heroes.”
Fort McCoy is one of eight military installations in the U.S. that will be accepting refugees. While on these bases, Afghans will have access to medical care and mental health services, and will be able to apply for work and connect with resettlement services.
Lt. Col. Synae Cooper said most members of the 946th were alerted of their deployment in the last 45 days, and each has answered the call.
“This is what we do,” she said. “We train to make sure that we’re medically and administratively ready so that when the nation calls us to be either inside the United States or outside the United States we, as Army Reservists, are prepared and ready to serve in whatever capacity is required.”
American Legion Post 17 Auxiliary, led by Murt Foos, ensured that when members of the 946th arrived in Lewes, they were taken care of. In the weeks leading up to their arrival, the legion solicited donations of water, power drinks, healthy snacks, fresh fruit, desserts and other to-go food for each soldier during their readiness days. Once here, restaurants such as The Wheelhouse, Irish Eyes, Lewes Diner, Half Full and Touch of Italy provided lunch and dinners. The Cape Henlopen Elks Lodge 2540 donated breakfast Nov. 6, before Epworth United Methodist Church provided a Thanksgiving lunch at the legion. On Nov. 7, Lighthouse Catering served breakfast, while SoDel Concepts provided the departure luncheon prior to the deployment ceremony at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church near Five Points.
The well-attended ceremony brought together family members, elected officials and members of the community. Among those who attended were Smyk, Lewes Mayor Ted Becker and Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long.
“As a nurse, and as a wife and daughter of a military veteran, I have to say what you’re about to do is so important,” said Hall-Long. “You’re going to be really making an impact, and most importantly, you’re making the First State so incredibly proud.”
Becker, a 26-year member of the U.S. Army and Army Reserves, said he understands what the soldiers are about to experience. During Operation Desert Storm, Becker was deployed as part of a medical unit.
“Your service is honorable and reflects your personal belief in the founding principles of the United States of America,” he said.
The Lewes community’s response to Post 17’s call for action shows how local residents feel about the military and the local Army Reserve center.
“While most of you do not live in Lewes, in the eyes of Lewes residents, the 946th Transportation Company is very much a part of the Lewes community,” Becker said.
At the ceremony, the Lewes-Rehoboth Rotary Club announced it was dedicating a flag to the company as part of its Flags for Heroes presentation at Cape Henlopen High School.
Smyk encouraged all members of the 946th to return to Lewes after their deployment to meet the people who donated and volunteered to send them off the right way.
“We love you,” Smyk said.
About resettlement
Arriving Afghans are connected to resettlement agencies and community partners for initial relocation assistance. The U.S. Department of State is leading this effort in close coordination with more than 200 local resettlement affiliates around the country. The local affiliates conduct extensive engagement with area communities to develop resources and support.
Through the Afghan Placement and Assistance Program, individuals are placed in communities across the country to begin rebuilding their lives. As with traditional resettlement processes, placement of individuals considers U.S.-based family and friends, housing availability, community capacity, and the needs and characteristics of each case.
During the resettlement process, Afghan nationals are provided with briefings on the conditions of their parole and advised that violating the law violates their parole. These briefings include information on U.S. laws and rights, including that illegal actions or activities could lead to prosecution and imprisonment, and may jeopardize an individual’s immigration status.
To learn more about Operation Allies Welcome, go to dhs.gov/allieswelcome.
