By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
Members of a Kentucky-based U.S. Army unit may be called up to deploy due to the ongoing tensions between Russia and Ukraine and the fears of a looming Russian invasion of their neighboring country.
101st Airborne Division in previous deployment (File photo from U.S. Army)
Elements of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), based at Ft. Campbell, have been directed to increase levels of readiness to deploy, according to an announcement from the Pentagon. Other U.S. Army units in the United States and Europe are also on a heightened preparedness to deploy in support of NATO and the security of U.S. citizens abroad.
“As we have for the last 77 years, the 101st Airborne Division stands ready to deploy anywhere to support and defend the Nation and our Allies,” said Maj. Gen. JP McGee, commanding general of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).
As one of the U.S. military’s contingency response forces, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) has units ready to deploy worldwide on short notice to conduct a range of military operations from humanitarian assistance to combat capabilities.
Established in 1918, the 101st Division was first constituted as an airborne unit in 1942. During World War II, the unit received was renowned for its role in in Operation Overlord, the D-Day landings and airborne landings in Normandy, France, in June 1944. The 101st was also involved in the liberation of the Netherlands and during the Battle of the Bulge.
In Vietnam, members fought in several major campaigns and battles, including the Battle of Hamburger Hill in 1969.
In mid-1968, it was first reorganized and redesignated as an airmobile division, then six years later as an air assault division. That reflected the division’s shift from airplanes to helicopters as the primary method of delivering troops into combat.
In recent years, the 101st has served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria, as part of Operation Inherent Resolve.
Soldiers of the 101st airborne division, I’m a retired disabled combat veteran. My career started with the 101st airborne division and ended with the 101st. I’ve been around the world a few times. I’ve been deployed numerous times to Iraq and Afghanistan. All I want to tell you is the United States of America is very proud of you and what you’ve done and are about to do again. Brothers and sisters, go do what you’ve trained to do and come back home. GO KICK ASS! God speed and we’ll see you when you get back. AIR ASSAULT!!
I pray for these young men and women being deployed to Europe especially my son !! God be with each and every one of you !! Please be safe and Thank You for protecting our great Country
Please lord take care of our troops , Ukraine and Russia , Lets get peace back in all countries and bring our troops home