Governor Scott Walker, local political and military dignataries and family members professed their gratitude and blessed approximately 60 troops of the 82nd Agribusiness National Guard who will deploy to Afganistan next month. The mission will focus on teaching Afgans how to plant and cultivate food and other healthy, positive crops so Afgans will be more self-sufficient and less likely to use their land for opium production.
'This mission is unlike any other' declared Wisconsin National Guard commander Brigadier General Don Dunbar. Speaking to the crowd, Dunbar explained how unique this mission is as soft skills and knowledge were just as, if not more, important than combative skills.
Soldiers of the 82nd competed for a spot to take part on the peace promoting, knowledge transfer mission. Only the 'best of the best' earned their spot commented 82nd's commander Col. Darrell Feucht as he addressed the crowd.
Hartford's mayor, Joe Dauterman, thanked the troops for their dedication to their country, families and communities.
Governor Scott Walker was last to speak and received a standing ovation from the crowd. He explained the elements of Wisconsin's flag and presented one to Col. Feucht and General Dunbar. Each soldier deploying will also get their own Wisconsin flag as a keepsake of their home state.
It was not disclosed how long the troops will remain in Afganistan.
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