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Gov. Togiola confirms alert order for
100th Battalion, 442d Infantry
Governor Togiola Tulafono has received an alert order from the Department of the Army informing him of possible mobilization of the 100th Battalion, 442d Infantry - which includes Bravo and Charlie Companies in American Samoa - in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Governor Togiola said the alert order, released on December 21, 2007, is a document that informs commanders, leaders, and soldiers of a possible mobilization of the 100th Battalion, 442d Infantry subordinate units under its command, including the local Bravo and Charlie Companies, Delta Company on Oahu, Headquarters Company on Oahu and Hilo, and Echo Company in Guam and Saipan.
“We have received this information and it is important that we all understand it to mean, ‘possible mobilization,’ or ‘the potential for deployment,’ and it does not mean that the battalion will be deployed for certain,” said Governor Togiola. “It only means that they may be sent on assignment to Kuwait or Iraq and therefore they must increase the level of their training in anticipation that they may be called up for duty. It is our prayer that this news does not get in the way of the festive spirit of the holidays for all of our families. Let’s continue to enjoy the holidays, and each other, during this very special time of the year.”
The alert order comes at a time when the New Year is on the horizon and 2007 closes as the deadliest year for the Toa o Samoa, with more local soldiers losing their lives in the Middle East this year than any other year since the ongoing war began.
The 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry has commendable history, known as the "Purple Heart" Battalion. It is the most decorated unit for its size and length of service in the United States Army. Their bravery and determination during World War II is reflected in their motto "Go for Broke."
The named country of deployment is Kuwait but Army officials advise that deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan should not be ruled out.
The deployment is expected to occur next year and could be as early as spring or later in the year during fall.
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