ROBBINS, IL (01/24/2011)(readMedia)– Members of the 1744th Transportation Company gathered for an uncasing ceremony Jan. 23 at the Crestwood armory in Robbins.
“Today the 1744th Transportation Company uncased its company colors here in Robbins to continue its legacy,” said Sgt. 1st Class Michael Koslowski of Plano, the readiness noncommissioned officer for the 1744th.
1st Lt. Shay Randolph of Chicago, and Lt. Col. Tracey Collins of Naperville, unveil the 1744th’s company flag symbolizing the transition of the unit from Streator to the Crestwood armory.
The ceremony was held in honor of the company’s new mission and move from Streator to Robbins.
The company, created in 2002, was originally based at the Marseilles Training Center. After the company outgrew the space allocated to them at the center it was moved to a vacant armory in Streator.
In 2006, the company was deployed to Iraq for a year to conduct recovery operations and escort convoys.
In 2008 the company’s mission was changed as the Illinois Army National Guard transformed the 404th Chemical Brigade to the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade to reflect a shifting mission overseas. The unit became Company A, 405th Brigade Support Battalion.
Last year, the Illinois Army National Guard reconsidered its decision to change the company after the needs of the force shifted again. It was decided that a new transportation company was essential to the Illinois Army National Guard and that the 1744th would be reinstated.
The official party of the ceremony included Collins; Sgt. Maj. Anthony McCormick of Jacksonville, senior enlisted advisor of the 1144th TMT; and 1st Lt. Shay Randolph of Chicago, commander of the 1744th Trans. Co.
Members of the 1744th Transportation Company bow their heads for the benediction during the company’s uncasing ceremony Jan. 23 at its new home at the Crestwood armory in Robbins.
Randolph recently took command of the 1744th. She says she is motivated to get the company back up and running again. “I want to get us to the point where we are fully mission capable, ready to deploy and excited about it,” said Randolph.
During the ceremony Collins and Randolph unveiled the company’s flag symbolizing the transition of the unit to its new home as the Soldiers of the company, standing in formation, looked on.
“The very soul of a military unit is symbolized in the colors under which it fights,” said Koslowski. “For they record the glories of the past, stand guardian over its present destiny, and ensure inspiration for its future.”
Photos and story by U.S. Army Spc. Chasity Johnson, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs