General gives heartfelt welcome to guardsmen arriving at Fort Hood

FORT HOOD, Texas — Pennsylvania National Guard General, Maj. Gen. James G. McCormack, traveled here to welcome home Soldiers of the 252nd Quartermaster Company who had just returned from their deployment in the Middle East April 5.

During his visit, McCormack conveyed his deep gratitude and respect for the Soldiers’ unwavering commitment to serving their country. He expressed his appreciation for their sacrifices and recognized the challenges of leaving behind their families and employers to respond to the call of duty both domestically and abroad.

“The Soldiers of the National Guard represent the finest of us because of our willingness to respond when called upon both domestically and abroad,” McCormack said. “We leave our families and employers to serve others; this is one of the most noble attributes a person can have.”

McCormack emphasized the importance of leaders seeing the trials and tribulations that their Soldiers experience, in order to learn and grow as a team. He also highlighted the special relationship between Soldiers and their leaders in the National Guard.

“It is not often that GOs spend significant time with Soldiers serving at the company level,” McCormack said. “I cherish my ongoing engagements from the E4 to O3 level in the 252. I am confident most of my fellow Pennsylvanians understand and appreciate the sacrifices the Soldiers of the 252 have made for them.”

According to 1st Sgt. Crystal Jenkins, senior non-commissioned officer of the 252nd Quartermaster Company, the deployment presented challenges, but she expressed satisfaction that her Soldiers were able to carry out their mission. Jenkins also remarked that the presence of state leadership filled her with pride.

“The deployment was challenging but also rewarding,” Jenkins shared, “and it was great to see familiar faces and key leadership; the generals came and welcome us home.”

The return of the 252nd Quartermaster Company marks the end of their deployment in the Middle East, and the Pennsylvania National Guard welcomes them home with open arms. The Soldiers’ service and sacrifices are appreciated and honored.

Staff Sgt. Edwin Pierce, First Army Division West public affairs office, says the mission of Division West is to partner with, train, mobilize and validate reserve component forces during all phases of mobilization to meet combatant command mission requirements around the globe. The troops returning home and their command being there for them is a core essential of people.

“Our partnership with reserve components is crucial to how and why we do business,” Pierce explained. “It is our honor and privilege to continue to support and OC/T our reserve partners while they execute their mission’s home and abroad.”