HARRISBURG, Pa. — On Sunday, United States Army National Guardsmen were recognized in Harrisburg before moving onward with their deployment to Africa.
More than 300 men and women with the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 2nd Battalion 112th Infantry Regiment are expected to be deployed to the Horn of Africa early next year, but not before spending the holiday with family in Pa.
“We are unable to do what we do without families supporting us, so being home for Christmas was of extreme importance, not only to me but the state as well,” said Lieutenant Colonel Eric Ponzek, Battalion Commander.
The decision to deploy after the holiday came from military personnel, as well as state officials, including Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D), who attended Sunday’s deployment ceremony.
“Your mission is of particular importance. I want you to know [that you] are the very best of all of us,” Shapiro said.
For Jack Kerwin and his two siblings, the news was like an early Christmas gift.
“They fought for us to stay home for Christmas. It’s also a credit to our soldiers down at the lower level, which led [to] that culminating event with us staying home for Christmas. [it] means the world [to] everybody,” Kerwin said.
The regiment is comprised of nine companies and is expected to be deployed overseas for nine months.
“We are responsible for securing multiple locations in East Africa, as well as responding to any crisis and assisting with military departure at embassies,” Lt. Col. Ponzek said.
Rick Stains’ son, Anthony, is among those expected to be deployed after the holiday.
“Obviously as a parent, we have our [safety concerns]. We want to protect our kids and try to keep them out of harm’s way," Stains said. "But at the same time, they get to a point in their life where they have to make big boy decisions, and we have to support them."
Like Stains, Karolyn Kerwin will remain in Pa. while her brothers are deployed, awaiting their return.
“I’ll miss them dearly while they’re over there, as well as the soldiers that I had to privilege to lead in the 2nd 112th, and I wish them all the best. I’m praying for their safety,” Kerwin expressed.
Joe Kerwin is the brother of Jack and Karolyn and is also the Company Commander of Ambush Company within the regiment.
The regiment is expected to travel to Fort Bliss in Texas before moving onward with their deployment.