Staff Writer
An activation ceremony was recently held at the armory in Caribou for the 185th Engineer Support Company in the Maine Army National Guard. The newly activated unit stems from the 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery Battalion, which was deactivated on last month. As part of the Maine Army National Guard and U.S. Army’s plan to transform into a more flexible, versatile force, the new unit will become an independently functioning company. Although the 185th Engineer Support Company will become more independent it will remain under the command of the 133rd Engineer Battalion. The new independence of the 185th will allow for greater mission flexibility for the U.S. Army.
Local Maine Army National Guard members lined up in formation to listen to several speakers and to observe the unfurling of the new colors.
Lt. Col. Dwaine Drummond spoke with the guard members of the continuing military tradition in Aroostook County looking toward the future, to become a more versatile fighting force. Although Drummond noted that the 185th is not being deployed at this time he stressed readiness in the event of their deployment.
CPT John Wilmot, new commander of the 185th also addressed the troops, and iterated the importance of being able to act independently as a unit.
Wilmot also presented a commander’s award to SSG Yves Corriveau for his work at the Caribou Veterans Cemetery.
Before falling out to share a meal together members of the 185th were encouraged to form a horseshoe around 1SG James Tash, who introduced himself to them, and spoke of his responsibilities toward them. Tash reminded troops that he would be behind them all the way to provide support if they had any legitimate concerns.
