A fitting tribute

Indiana hasn’t seen a deployment of this magnitude since World War II - nor has it celebrated with such unity of purpose.

The ceremony for Indiana Army National Guard Soldiers at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis on January 2 yielded many tributes, much praise, and even more moments of exquisite tenderness.

The departure ceremony was dedicated to the approximately 3,400 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team Soldiers heading to Fort Stewart, Ga., for final training before heading off to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

More than 15,000 friends and family members filled the stands of the east end of the Dome to bid farewell to the Soldiers. Emotions ran high, fueled by these families being pulled apart by the beckoning duty of their loved ones.

The afternoon was full, with many notable speakers and musical performances by solo artist Ali Rader and the 38th Infantry Division Band, classical and rock.  

The family of Capt. Lisa Kopczynski looks on with love and pride as their mother sings during the departure ceremony for the 76th IBCT on January 2. Capt. Kopczynski is deploying with the brigade. Photo by Spc. William Henry, Indiana National Guard

Two songs were performed by the Division rock band, Rapid Fire, featuring Sgt. Paul Foster and Capt. Lisa Kopczynski leading in vocal harmonies. Music and lyrics for both, “Nighthawk” and “When I Chose to Be a Soldier,” were written by Staff Sgt. Les Newport in honor of the 76th Brigade. Kopczynski and Newport are both Soldiers deploying with the Brigade.

The newly elected mayor of Indianapolis, Greg Ballard, was the first speaker of the day, expressing his pride in the military and the respect he had for each and every Soldier deploying.  

As a former Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel, Ballard is no stranger to military life and challenges. He spoke of his deployment to the Middle East seventeen years ago, about having to leave his family to go to war. “I was in the very same spot you all are in now,” he said. Ballard concluded saying, “You truly represent the best of America.”

Congressional figures from six Indiana districts also came to show their support in all that the Soldiers were doing for the War on Terror. U.S. Representatives Joe Donnelly, Brad Ellsworth, Mark Souder, Mike Pence, Steve Buyer and Dan Burton all spoke.  

Donnelly spoke of the bravery of the Soldiers making the sacrifice, “You have stepped up when others have stepped aside.”

Indianapolis Colts president, Bill Polian, expressed words of hope and support for the troops and the unity of America. “Whether we’re Bears or Browns or Colts or Steelers, we’re all Americans.”  He said that the ceremony was the most important event in the history of the Dome. “The thanks go to all who sacrifice. We owe you a debt we can never repay.”

The Indianapolis Colts donated specially designed T-shirts for each of the deploying Soldiers to take with them, symbolizing the support that the Colts have for the service members.

The commander of the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Col. Courtney Carr, said he was ready for the job at hand and would do his best to guide the troops under his command.

Carr recalled making breakfast for his son and wife that morning before the ceremony, curbing his emotions, he said he knew the normal routine would be more stressed and a little less bearable.

Carr spoke of the extensive training the Soldiers had undergone and are still undergoing. “Well-trained units suffer less casualties. It’s that collective training that hones our skills.”

Indiana National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger, talked about the citizen Soldier and what it means to be someone who serves their community, state and country with honor. “Don’t forget about your militia heritage,” he urged.

Maj. Gen. Umbarger also defined the citizen Soldier. “A citizen Soldier is a Soldier some of the time, a citizen most of the time and a patriot for all time.”

Indiana Sen. Richard Lugar provided thought-provoking insight, stating that others in Washington were intrigued by the support that citizens of Indiana have for their troops in some of the worst times during the war.

Indiana’s Governor, Mitch Daniels, addressed the crowd with words of overwhelming support for the Soldiers. Daniels talked about programs in place to help Soldiers’ families in time of need, particularly the National Guard Relief Fund, which has gained over $2.5 million through sales of special license plates which state, “In God We Trust”.

Daniels showed his trust in Carr, giving him his blessing to lead the troops into battle. Daniels backed it by stating, “I know you well and I know your work,” adding his trust that Carr would take care of the troops and help to bring them home safe.   

As Daniels presented state flags and a governor’s coin to the commanders of each unit, accompanied by Maj. Gen. Umbarger and Col. Carr, the names of the cities in which deploying units are located were read.

People stood in the stands, cheered and applauded for the heroes in their hometowns. Personal sentiments were overwhelming, a striking combination of fierce pride and poignancy. This was the last time most of the friends and family members would see their Soldiers before their boots hit the ground in the Middle East. 

At the end of the ceremony the crowd gave a deafening, “Hooah!” to the Soldiers as they filed out of their seats, walked behind the curtain, and gave their last waves of farewell to loved ones in the stands.

Caption for thumbnail photo on home page:  The family of Capt. Lisa Kopczynski looks on with love and pride as their mother sings during the departure ceremony for the 76th IBCT on January 2. Capt. Kopczynski is deploying with the brigade.

Story and photos by Spc. William E. Henry