Tuesday, December 08, 2009

Wisconsin Army Guard unit flying solo at Camp Bucca

December 8, 2009:

After several months of collaboration, the Wisconsin Army National Guard's 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry said farewell to the 887th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron of the Air Force's 586th Air Expeditionary Group. "It's been a great experience having 887th as part of the team," said Lt. Col. Bradley Anderson, 2nd Battalion, 127th Infantry commander. "One might expect that different services might experience a certain amount of friction when tasked and organized together, but this experience has disproven that theory. In fact the integration of our units was so seamless the Air Force should issue you all crossed rifles and change your name to expeditionary infantry squadron." The 127th Infantry has been at Camp Bucca since March.

The 887th ESFS was activated in May 2007. During that time, the squadron endured 40 improvised explosive device detonations, cleared another 16 IEDs, and withstood multiple small arms attacks.

As a result of their accomplishments, they've been awarded more than 1,000 medals, including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal and Air Force Combat Action Medal. They have also received five Purple Heart Medals for combat injuries.

"This is a unit with a myriad of accomplishments and successes," said Col. John Williams, 586th Air Expeditionary Group commander. "Some of those successes and accomplishments were a first for an Air force unit. Although these accomplishments belong to 887th, they wouldn't have been possible without the full support and backing of our sister services."

The Airmen of the 887th ESFS were able to bridge the gap between services. Those cooperative efforts earned them distinction as they were awarded the shoulder sleeve insignia from the 16th Military Police Brigade and the 45th, 50th and 32nd Infantry Brigade Combat Teams.

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