CENTENNIAL — Lt. Gov. Dianne Primavera and Colorado National Guard senior leaders bid farewell to about 70 Colorado Army National Guard Soldiers from three deploying units, May 1, 2021, at 10:00 a.m., at Southeast Christian Church, 9650 Jordan Road, Parker CO 80134.

“Governor Polis and I are immensely proud of our National Guard members. They have played a key role in our COVID-19 response and will now support vital national security missions abroad.” Lt. Governor Dianne Primavera said. “On behalf of all Coloradans, we thank them and their families for their service to our state and nation. We will keep them and their safety in our thoughts until they return Caution-home.”

The Main Command Post - Operational Detachment will support NATO and United States Army Europe and Africa Command exercises within United States European Command.  The MCPOD will be attached to the 1st Infantry Division in EUCOM as part of division staff and will consist of maneuver, intelligence, protection, fires support, and mission command Soldiers. 

Delta Company, 572nd Brigade Engineer Battalion and Warhorse Platoon, Company D, 1-157th Infantry Regiment will support NATO peacekeeping operations. 

“Darkness Company Soldiers have spent the last three months training hard,” D/ 572nd CO Commander U.S. Army Capt. Max Woodfin said. “We are looking forward to working closely with our brigade and our international partners on this unique NATO mission in Europe.”

D/ 572nd CO will deploy with the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Headquarters. The Soldiers will be responsible for information collection and dissemination that supports IBCT’s mission to provide a secure and safe environment and freedom of movement in the region.

Warhorse will be attached to the 1st Battalion, 172nd Cavalry Regiment, Vermont National Guard. The unit will conduct joint observation missions to ensure peace in disputed boundary regions.

MCPODs are reserve component personnel that augment active component staffs as a result of reductions in institutional and operational headquarters. 

National Guard members continue to adhere to CDC safety guidelines to slow the spread of COVID-19.  The CONG’s support to our local, state and federal partners during the pandemic continues uninterrupted.