Kankakee-based Unit Mobilizes for Kuwait Deployment

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KANKAKEE, IL (06/07/2018) (readMedia)-- Approximately 90 Soldiers mobilized for aviation support mission

A deployment ceremony for approximately 90 Soldiers of the 935th Aviation Support Battalion based in Kankakee, Illinois, was held June 6 at the Illinois Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Kankakee.

The Soldiers of the 935th will deploy to Kuwait in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve.

"This unit has a long history of deployments and they are a very tight knit group," said Brig. Gen. Mark Jackson, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, of the Illinois National Guard. "I want them to know they can focus on the mission at hand and we will take care of things back at home."

Brig. Gen. Jackson said the deployment will be good for some of the younger Soldiers in the unit.

"Going on a deployment seasons you as a Soldier," said Brig. Gen. Jackson. "This organization is steeped in heritage of mentorship and excellent leadership of younger Soldiers."

Brig. Gen. Jackson said he knows the veterans in the 935th will pass on a wealth of knowledge to the younger Soldiers in the unit during the deployment.

"This is what we've trained for and I have a lot of confidence in our Soldiers' abilities," said Maj. Thane Jackson of Champaign, Illinois, the commander of the 935th. "There are going to be highs and there are going to be lows during their deployment. We are telling our Soldiers to focus on the highs when we are in the lows."

Maj. Jackson said with all the social media available to Soldiers these days his unit should be able to stay well connected with loved ones back home.

"In a deployed environment you can't just work, work, work," said Maj. Jackson. "Soldiers have to take the time to connect with loved ones back home and have their own personal time."

Maj. Jackson said approximately 50 percent of the unit's Soldiers have deployed overseas at least once previously.

For Spc. Ethan Connor, a Blackhawk Mechanic with the 935th, this is his first deployment.

"I am excited to deploy with this unit and I know I will learn a lot from the older Soldiers in this unit," said Connor. "I plan to work on helicopters, work out and stay connected as much as I can with my family back at home."

Connor's mother, Tracy, said this is something her son Ethan has always wanted to do and she is very proud of him.

"Ethan's uncle was a helicopter pilot in Vietnam, so I think that's where his fascination came from," said Tracy.

The 935th Soldiers will leave to train at Fort Hood, Texas, where they will be joined by additional Soldiers from the South Dakota, Georgia, and Missouri Army National Guard units. The 935th will conduct combat support, combat service support, and maintenance sustainment operations for the 35th Combat Aviation Brigade.

Photo 1: Spc. Ethan Connor of Huntley, Illinois, a Black Hawk mechanic with the 935th Aviation Support Battalion based in Kankakee, Illinois, speaks to his mother Tracy Connor and other family members after the 935th's deployment ceremony June 6. The 935th will then deploy to Kuwait in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Public Affairs)

Photo 2: Brig. Gen. Mark Jackson, Assistant Adjutant General – Army, Illinois National Guard, speaks to Soldiers of the 935th Aviation Support Battalion and their families during the unit's deployment ceremony June 6 at the Illinois Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Kankakee. The 935th will deploy to Kuwait in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Public Affairs)

Photo 3: Maj. Thane Jackson, of Champaign, Illinois the commander of the 935th Aviation Support Battalion, speaks to Soldiers of the 935th and their families during the unit's deployment ceremony June 6 at the Illinois Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility in Kankakee. The 935th will deploy to Kuwait in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Public Affairs)