Illinois Guard Unit to Support U.S. Army Europe and Africa

SULLIVAN, Ill. - The Illinois Army National Guard's 634th Brigade Support Battalion Forward Logistics Element was activated Jan. 20 for deployment to Africa and Europe.

A forward logistics element is a diverse team comprising an assortment of military occupation specialties to support the forward-deployed warfighter.

The Sullivan-based unit only has about a dozen Soldiers, but it will play a vital role supporting U.S. forces in Africa and Europe, Brig. Gen. Lenny Williams, the assistant adjutant general - Army of the Illinois National Guard and the commander of the Illinois Army National Guard, said during a mobilization ceremony at the Illinois Army National Guard's Readiness Center.

The unit is "small but mighty," Williams said. "Your mission is critical."

The general thanked the unit's families for their support and challenged the Soldiers to care for each other and think about their legacy.

"What will your legacy be? What will they say about you at the welcome home ceremony?" Williams said.

Lt. Col. Allison Jacobs, commander of the 634th Brigade Support Battalion, said the element's Soldiers were hand-selected for the deployment.

"I have no doubt you will make us extremely proud." She said the Soldiers can be proud of their role supporting logistics. "Logistics win wars."

Capt. Donald Tucker will command the unit overseas. The Soldiers will likely move around to different areas to support U.S. military units in Africa and Europe. It will initially be divided, with Tucker taking a team to Africa and 1st Sgt. Colton Love taking another team to Germany.

Tucker stressed the importance of remaining "flexible to overcome obstacles" and meeting U.S. forces' logistical needs with "precision and adaptation, anticipating needs steps ahead."

The Soldiers are to return next autumn.