Soldiers from Staunton-based BCT HQs load out to begin federal active duty - May 16, 2011

Soldiers from the Virginia National Guard’s Staunton-based 116th Brigade Combat Team Headquarters load buses May 16 at the Staunton armory to begin their trip to Camp Shelby, Miss. where they will conduct mobilization training for approximately 45 to 60 days to prepare for federal active duty in Afghanistan. About 175 Soldiers officially began serving on active duty May 15, and the unit conducted a farewell ceremony at Shelburne Middle School to mark the start. The unit will serve as a command and control headquarters for counter-insurgency operations in Afghanistan. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia Department of Military Affairs)

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