Oregon — The Oregon Military Department honored approximately 60 soldiers from A Company, Forward Support Company, 1249th Engineer Battalion during a mobilization ceremony Oct. 14, 2025, at the Anderson Readiness Center, as they prepare to deploy in support of security operations along the U.S. southern border.
The soldiers will deploy to Texas, where they will join the 104th Military Police Battalion, 10th Mountain Division, providing critical logistics support including vehicle recovery, maintenance, refueling, and parts distribution.
“Today we gather to honor dedicated citizen-soldiers undertaking a mission at the southwest border,” said Col. Philip DeMontigny, assistant adjutant general of the Oregon National Guard. “You represent the best of Oregon. A Company, Forward Support Company has a proud history, and once again, you have stepped up.”
The company will operate in two platoons — one focused on distribution and one on maintenance — supporting military police operations. Soldiers will first complete mission-specific training at Fort Bliss, Texas, covering logistics, refueling, vehicle recovery, and security procedures.
Capt. Timothy Gildea, the unit’s commander and a Medford Police Department officer in civilian life, praised his team’s rapid preparation.
“We were notified of the deployment within the last four months,” said Gildea. “I have an all-star staff who worked incredibly hard to get everybody spun up and ready to go. I’m incredibly proud of everybody.”
Several soldiers were recognized for outstanding efforts, including Sgt. Massey, who served 515 days to ensure the unit’s readiness. Eleven others volunteered for this deployment within days of returning from prior overseas missions.
The 1249th Engineer Battalion has a long and distinguished history, tracing back to 1908. It is the only U.S. military unit to have been fired upon on American soil during World War II, when a Japanese submarine shelled Fort Stevens in 1942.
Col. DeMontigny emphasized professionalism and family connection:
“Respect everyone we meet, execute with discipline, and work as a team,” he said. “To those deploying for the first time, we’re proud of you. To those on your second, third, or fourth deployment, your experience stabilizes the formation.”
He also thanked families and employers for their sacrifices:
“You manage the worries, calendars, and workplaces that allow these soldiers to focus on the mission. You serve too.”
Capt. Gildea added that family connections will remain a priority throughout the deployment.
“We fully support families visiting and staying in touch,” he said. “We’re here for you just as much as we’re here for your soldier.”
The deployment supports federal agencies under the Department of Homeland Security in coordination with the Department of Defense, part of a continuing partnership between the Oregon National Guard and active-duty forces to strengthen border security operations.
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