1st Space Brigade welcomes home deployed Soldiers

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. – U.S. Army Lt. Gen. David Mann, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command commanding general, welcomes home 1st Space Brigade Soldiers from a nine-month deployment during a ceremony September 27, 2016 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. (U.S. Army photo by Dottie White)

Published Oct. 4, 2016
By Dottie White
SMDC/ARSTRAT

PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Employees and family members of the 1st Space Brigade, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, welcomed home 29 Soldiers from a nine-month deployment during a ceremony Sept. 29 at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

The unit’s mission was to plan and conduct system diagnostic monitoring, vulnerability assessments, data integrity studies and quality control of U.S. military satellite communications.

“The detachment conducted a very difficult intra-theater move,” said Lt. Col. Bryan Shrank, commander, 1st Space Battalion, 1st Space Brigade. “Without a doubt, this detachment went above and beyond to ensure mission success.”

“When they first deployed, I said this unit, with this leadership, was the exact right mix of talent, experience and savvy to handle anything that could come their way,” Shrank said. “I was confident that they would do whatever was necessary to make the mission happen – and they did not disappoint.

“Thank you to every member of this detachment for your dedication, outstanding performance, and remarkable resilience against overwhelming obstacles,” he continued. “Thank you families for entrusting us with your loved ones and for shouldering the burdens at home while they were away.”

Shrank concluded by speaking on behalf of the entire chain of command.

“Welcome home, and job well done.”

The Soldiers were also welcomed home by Lt. Gen. David Mann, commanding general, SMDC, during an informal ceremony Sept. 27.