KAISERSLAUTERN, RHEINLAND-PFALZ, Germany –
Deploying U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers with the 510th Regional Support Group, 7th Mission Support Command, participated in a farewell ceremony Oct. 24, at Daenner Chapel on Daenner Kaserne.
The 510th RSG is scheduled to mobilize across the European theater, assuming base support and life-sustainment operation responsibilities from the 297th RSG of the Alaska National Guard, reinforcing the Army’s deterrence posture along the eastern flank.
“Today, we embark on a mission to support Operation Atlantic Resolve,” said U.S. Army Reserve Col, Daniel Meyers, the 510th RSG commander, during remarks he delivered at the ceremony. “A mission that underscores our commitment to security and stability in Europe. This isn’t just about logistics and sustainment: it’s about demonstrating unwavering resolve in the face of growing challenges.”
The ceremony also included the singing of the German and U.S. national anthems, remarks from U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. John Stanley, the commanding general of the 7th MSC and the deputy commanding general of the 21st Theater Support Command, as well as the singing of “The Army Goes Rolling Along.”
“The 510th RSG has a long history of excellence,” Stanley said. “You’ve sustained forward areas and built the foundation for success that keeps our Army agile and ready. You embody what it means to be Forward and Ready — balancing careers, families and service with professionalism and purpose.”
While the 510th RSG has spent the last year preparing for this mobilization, individual goals across the unit vary from Soldier to Soldier.
U.S. Army Reserve Major. Lindsey Smith, the Operational Contract Support officer in charge, said she plans to develop her leadership skills during the deployment so she can be ready for ready for whatever opportunities come next.
“Every assignment is a chance to grow,” she said. “I want to take what I’ve learned and use it wherever the Army needs me.”
Families of the deploying Soldiers also attended the ceremony, including the spouse of U.S. Army Reserve 1st Lt. Vanessa Medina, the 510th RSG’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company Executive Officer. Medina’s spouse is an active-duty component Soldier stationed in Germany.
“Being a dual-military couple in Germany has come with its own unique demands and opportunities,” Medina said. “As a Reserve Soldier married to an active-duty Soldier, it has been an incredible opportunity to come overseas together and continue my own service with the 7th MSC. Managing my civilian career and responsibilities while also supporting my husband’s active-duty commitments isn’t always easy, but it’s taught us how to adapt, stay connected and take pride in the different ways we both serve.”
For Soldiers like U.S. Army Reserve Pvt. 1st Class Alina Joseph, a human resources specialist, this will be her first deployment, after serving just a year in the U.S. Army Reserve.
Joseph said while she looks forward to the experience and believes deploying will make her a stronger, more capable Soldier, she is sad to leave behind her pets, who will be cared for by her mother while she’s away.
Despite the bittersweet sendoff, she said she is confident her unit will take care of her and bring her home safely.
“The 510th is just really positive,” she said. “They’re encouraging and great at communicating, so I know I’m never lost about what’s going to happen.”
As the 510th RSG begins its mission in Poland, its Soldiers continue the enduring mission of the Army Reserve in Europe — standing shoulder-to-shoulder with allies and partners, sustaining the fight, and ensuring our forces remain forward and ready