Guard battalion releases units after Afghanistan campaign

Two units from the Guam Army National Guard’s 1st Battalion, 294th Infantry Regiment were released from duty June 8, signifying their 2013 Operation Enduring Freedom responsibilities have officially ended.

Echo Company, commanded by Capt. Joey San Nicolas, was deactivated June 8 during a ceremony at the Guam Guard’s Barrigada headquarters. Foxtrot Company, led by Capt. Kristin Ramos, was detached by the battalion and sent back to its original status under the 105th Troop Command. The units were amongst the seven line companies that occupied all six NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan regions, serving as the largest mobilization in Guam history. Close to 600 Guam Army Guardsmen deployed for this purpose.

Echo was the most dispersed unit. Its presence was in five Afghanistan locations, as far east near the Pakistan border to deep within the country’s capital, Kabul. The soldiers performed about 2,000 missions, serving as guardian angels, providing personal security and performing security forces. The company formed shortly before OEF with soldiers from other units.

“We were the most decentralized unit serving in Afghanistan and probably the busiest unit,” San Nicolas said. “Echo wasn’t organic to the 294th. But it was an outstanding opportunity to lead troops into battle. The most memorable thing was the entire tour itself, working with great soldiers and great leaders.”

Echo aoldiers occupied 14 provinces.

Since returning home late December, Guam Guard leaders sought to return Echo aoldiers to their original units.

As company commander, Ramos succeeded Maj. Florante Manaloto last September in Afghanistan. She marked Guam history, becoming the first-ever female company commander deployed to a combat zone. She served as Foxtrot executive officer prior to her current position.

“Get everybody home,” Ramos said after her change of command, on her No. 1 priority as leader. “It’s the sign of the times. They’re allowing females greater combat roles. It’s a challenge, and I’m looking forward to being successful at it.”

In Afghanistan, Foxtrot was stationed at Kandahar Airfield, one of the busiest locations in southern Afghanistan. Foxtrot completed more than 1,000 missions, serving as guardian angels, security forces and personal security.

During the ceremony, San Nicolas and 1st Sgt. Duane Perez, Echo first sergeant, furled the unit guidon and Perez marched off with it. This symbolized the unit’s end.

The Guam battalion continues operations with Headquarters, Alpha, Bravo, Charlie and Delta companies, along with support elements. It remains the largest of all Guam National Guard units. (Guam National Guard)