Specialized team deploys to INDOPACOM area of responsibility

Friends and family gathered at Rock Island Arsenal's Heritage Hall Feb. 4, for a mobilization ceremony for Logistics Advisory Team 6612 of the Illinois National Guard's 6th Battalion, 54th Security Forces Assistance Brigade.

The team of about half a dozen Soldiers will deploy to the Philippines to replace a team slated to come back in February. LAT 6612 will take over training and integrating with Filipino armed forces to bolster their medical and logistical operations.

Lt. Col. Beth Roxworthy, commander of the 34th Division Sustainment Brigade, parent unit of the SFAB, said she couldn't be more proud of the work the SFAB has done in preparation for their mission.

"I'm proud to have this unit under our brigade," said Roxworthy. "The work you put in day in and day out shows in everything. I know that you're fully prepared and capable of succeeding in the task set before you."

Cpt. Simon Lee, LAT 6612 Team Leader, said he's excited to get in country and start conducting the mission.

"I'm grateful and blessed to have such a wonderful team," said Lee. "We're excited, we've been training for this for a while, but we have big shoes to fill."

LAT 6612 will deploy later this month and be gone for approximately 6 to 9 months.