Rainy weather no deterrent for friends, family of 593rd Soldiers activated for deployment

RENO —Soldiers of the Nevada National Guard  593rd Transportation Company, their family members and community supporters came together for an Operations Enduring Freedom activation ceremony Saturday, May 26, at Wooster High School. The unit  consists of about 125 soldiers from all regions of Nevada to include Winnemucca, Elko, Ely, and Las Vegas. 

Hundreds of guests were on hand in chilly, rainy weather to offer support and hear commanders give words of encouragement to the Guardsmen. Gov. Brian Sandoval said a quote from Abraham Lincoln was especially fitting on Memorial Day Weekend.

“Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor to him who braves for the common good the storms of heaven and the storm of battle.”

Four sets of brothers are deploying together in the 593rd and dozens of soldiers are commencing their second, third and even fourth deployments.

The company commander, Capt. Curtis Kolvet is on his second deployment and said he commends his troops. “They seek no awards, they serve for their nation and this is their calling. We’re ready for the clock to start ticking.”

After about six weeks’ mobilization training in Texas, the unit will deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit will provide transportation for troops and dry cargo between forward operating bases in the Regional Command-Capital area in northern Afghanistan.

The family support representative for Nevada Army National Guard, Barbara Stanton, was on hand to ensure each soldier received a scarf imprinted with a bible verse. Stanton noted a long-held tradition of giving scarves to soldiers to ensure a safe return home.

Sgt. 1st Class Curt Prokusky and his wife LeAnne kissed each other minutes before the ceremony. Sgt. Prokusky said, “We’re doing the right thing. This is my second deployment, and I feel confident about the leadership and mission. I am thankful for the support of my wife and my employer, Newmont Gold, who I have worked with for 21 years.”

His wife, LeAnn, stated, “This deployment will feel different without kids. It’s just my dogs and me. I am thankful for an excellent family support group.”

Regularly called to assist with state missions, the 593rd in 2009 provided transport relief supplies for the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support nearly 4,000 citizens who were displaced when a levy broke and flooded areas of Fernley, approximately 45miles east of Reno.

This deployment will make the 593rd MTC the only unit in the Nevada Army Guard to deploy in support of both Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.