STAUNTON, Va. –
Veterans of the 116th Infantry Regiment and Soldiers of the Virginia National Guard’s Staunton-based 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team gathered to honor the unit’s history and enjoy an evening of camaraderie at the 54th annual Regimental Muster Nov. 13, 2022, at the Hotel 24 South in Staunton, Virginia. This year’s theme was “Welcome Home: Honoring our Deployed Soldiers.”
“We have had a very busy year with the bulk of the team deployed to a handful of locations doing various missions,” said Col. Jared Lake, rear detachment commander of the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. “We provided personnel and site protection in the Central Command area of responsibility, we provided a security force in support of Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, we took responsibility for the NATO-led Kosovo Force Regional Command-East and we continued to provide support to natural disaster missions here stateside.”
In his report of the brigade commander, Lake updated the more than 180 guests on the training achievements and completed missions of the 116th Brigade. “We’re proud of our present achievements and honored to be a small part of this organization’s great history,” said Lake.
Maj. Gen. John Rhodes, 29th Infantry Division commanding general, served as the guest speaker. He spoke about the achievements of the regiment and the proud tradition of those who wore the blue and gray patch.
“The Soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division have answered the nation's call every time with amazing results,” said Rhodes. “Whether it was on the battlefield, homeland security or domestic natural disaster responses you give it your all and expect nothing in return.”
The 2022 Superior Unit Award was awarded to the Middlesboro, KY-based Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 149th Infantry Regiment who are returning from a mission in Kosovo.
Col Christopher Samaulski and Command Sgt. Maj. Irving Reed Jr., the 116th IBCT command team, appeared at the Muster via a video message recorded in Kosovo where the 116th IBCT Headquarters is providing mission command support to the NATO peace support mission.
“We are proud of every Soldier in this brigade,” Samulksi said in the video. “All the missions completed, training executed, sacrifices made are not lost on this command team. We are honored to lead this storied brigade and the selfless Soldiers, NCOs and Officers that fill the ranks of the 116th IBCT.”
“To the families and loved ones of the 116th IBCT, we are grateful for your support,” Reed said. “This year could not have been made possible without your strength and encouragement. Thank you for the sacrifices you make to support the Soldiers of the 116th IBCT.”
Following dinner, the Soldiers held a ceremony in memory of their departed comrades, conducted a roll call of those Regimental members who passed in 2022, and held a moment of silence that led to the playing of “Taps” as a tribute to all the regiment’s fallen warriors.
Soldiers assigned to Task Force Red Dragon returned home in late September, and Soldiers supporting the Kosovo mission were wrapping up their demobilization as the Muster took place. Soldiers from the 1-111th were scheduled to return in early December, so all the brigade’s mobilization personnel will be home for the holidays.
Read more about the 116th IBCT on va.ng.mil at
https://ngpa.us/22647.