CHEYENNE, Wyo.—The Wyoming National Guard said farewell to more than 120 Soldiers assigned to the 115th Field Artillery Brigade at a ceremony conducted at Cheyenne’s Storey Gymnasium on Nov. 30, 2024.
The send-off ceremony formally recognized the deploying soldiers and their families and demonstrated the admiration and support they will carry with them from the greater Wyoming community, military and civilian leadership and their loved ones.
The 115th is deploying to Southeast Asia to support Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. Once there, they will link up with military personnel already deployed with the Cowboy Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 300th Field Artillery Regiment.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon presided over the ceremonies, joined by Maj. Gen. Greg Porter, Wyoming adjutant general, Chief Master Sgt. Josh Moore, command senior enlisted leader for the Cowboy Guard, Col. Alexander Fisher, commander of the 115th, and finally Command Sgt. Maj. Deborah Manzanares, the 115th's command senior enlisted leader.
The 115th has a storied past that began 130 years ago in 1894 when Wyoming formed its first artillery unit. The command earned honors in operations throughout the U.S.’s history, from the Spanish American War through the Global War on Terrorism.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Army awarded the 115th the Meritorious Unit Citation in recognition of their outstanding contributions during deployments across the Central Command area of responsibility.
The 115th provided long-range precision fire support for conventional and special operations forces in Iraq, Jordan, and Syria, while conducting host nation operations in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan, and Egypt in support of Operation Spartan Shield, Operation Inherent Resolve, and Operation Freedom Sentinel.
Those attending the ceremony heard comments from Governor Gordon, Wyoming Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Porter, U.S. Congresswoman Harriet Hageman, U.S. Senator John Barrasso, and 115th commander Colonel Fisher.
Since taking office in 2019, the governor has consistently prioritized and attended every farewell and welcome home event for Wyoming National Guard Soldiers and Airmen. He shared the following thoughts.
Gordon began his comments by thanking both those serving as well as their family members. “I say that for our Soldiers and for their families.” He continued, “Americans are never afraid of history – we make history, and you will make history.
“You have an entire state standing behind you. Your family can count on us to stand behind them.”
Following remarks by Hageman and Barrasso, attendees heard from Porter.
“The enemy and adversary knows you well, you’ve done this mission before,” said Porter. “They have respect for what you can do – have respect for them as well. Be the Sword and Shield – go make some Cowboy Thunder.”
Once comments were complete, and 115th colors were cased, the governor presented a Wyoming flag to the 115th commander, as well as a “Entering Wyoming” highway sign to take with them on their deployment. The sign will be displayed at the command’s deployed headquarters. Similar signs have been given to every Wyoming Army National Guard unit that has deployed since the Korean War.
