144th Medical Company (Area Support) Departure Ceremony

DRAPER, UT – Inside a 1960s-era hangar at Roland R. Wright, Soldiers of the 144th Medical Company (Area Support) held their families and friends close one more time. On Sept. 20, 2026, the hangar’s large silver doors screeched open as final embraces, quiet farewells and last moments together gave way to departure. After months of preparation, the ceremony marked the beginning of the unit’s deployment and a new chapter for the Soldiers, families and friends gathered to see them off.

Utah Army National Guard Assistant Adjutant Gen. Col. Andrew Owens stated, the 144th “carry with them the legacy of absolute, unyielding commitment. Anchored by a model that defines their spirit and unit motto, ‘burn the ships’. Drawing from Hernán Cortés’ legendary resolve in 1519, where he destroyed his fleet to destroy any psychological option to retreat.” As they burn their metaphorical ships, they destroy with them any chance of giving up, any option of retreat, from healing and saving the lives of their fellow service members.

In the same way that the Soldiers would be critical to those they care for, the leadership wanted to recognize those who play the same role in the lives of the Soldiers deploying. Their remarks recognized the months of preparation leading up to the departure and the important role families and friends play as Soldiers transition from preparation to deployment. Col. Patricia Brown, commander of the 97th Troop Command, addressed those gathered and offered her appreciation to the families and friends of the deploying Soldiers.

“Our mission is unique in that we get to positively impact our fellow Soldiers to keep them healthy and in the fight,” stated Maj. Dan Boyden, the commander of the 144th. “Our efforts directly affect all other missions because medical readiness is the key to operational readiness.”

The 144th will arrive in Texas to complete their premobilization training before deploying. The mobilization will support United States and NATO efforts in Europe to provide role II care. Role II care includes collection and evacuation of patients, medical treatment, and short-term patient hold. Ancillary medical care will include dental, behavioral health, laboratory services, and X-ray, as well as supporting medical care, clinical needs, and medical readiness for deployed troops in the area.

The medical capabilities of the role II and the service and sacrifice of the Soldiers selected for this deployment will allow U.S. service members to maintain mission readiness and capabilities through supporting NATO as a critical medical facility.

Every Soldier and family will experience a transition throughout the course of this deployment, and with that transition will come its own unique set of challenges. There will be good days that bring moments of pride, connection, and reassurance, as well as difficult days that test patience, resilience, and strength. While every deployment looks different, each one represents a period of change, growth, and perseverance for both the Soldier and those waiting for them at home.

During the ceremony, Brig. Gen. Michael Kjar gave his personal support to the family members of Soldiers who would be staying behind. “Something’s going to break in your home; you’re going to need somebody; call me; if I can’t get there, I’ll get somebody there.”

With the Soldiers lined up at the aircraft steps, waves and farewells stretched across the flight line. One by one, members of the 144th MCAS boarded the aircraft as their families and friends watched from behind. When the last Soldier stepped inside, the door closed and the aircraft began to move. Those gathered remained in place, watching as it taxied away, the final moments of goodbye giving way to the deployment ahead.

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