LTC Johann Gomez and First Sgt Frank E. Hatch furl the colors of the 1-391st Regiment Battalion during a casing ceremony at Fort Devens Hall of Flags on May 19, 2017. U.S. Army Reserve photo Spc. Tynisha L. Daniel (Released)
Fort Devens, Mass. — “The very soul of a military unit is symbolized in the colors under which it fights for. It records the glories of the past, stands guardian over its present and ensures inspiration for its future,” said Lt. Col. Johan Gomez, the 391st Battalion Cmdr.
After 16 years of dedication and service to the 98th Training Division, the 1st Battalion 391st Regiment Training Support deactivated on May 19 at the Hall of Flags. Distinguished visitors gathered to formally inactivate the battalion and commemorate the history of the 1-319st spanning over 99 years in military history.
Beginning the ceremony with the National Anthem and a sentimental prayer by Chaplain Peter Kim, the tone was set for the casing of colors. During the ceremony heartfelt speeches were given by Col. Mitchell Fridley, Commander of the 3rd Bde 104th Training Division, and Lt. Col. Gomez.
Soldiers of the 1-391st Color Guard march out of the hall of flags after the closing of the 1-391st Regiment deactivation ceremony. On May 19, members of the 1-391st and distinguished visitors gathered at the Hall of Flags to formally inactivate the battalion.
U.S. Army Reserve photo Spc. Tynisha L. Daniel (Released)
“We have accomplished our mission,” said Col. Fridley. “All of you sitting here and others out on the range must continue to Soldier on doing the great work you’ve always done supporting the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point.” Col. Fridley led command over a 1000 Soldiers in the reformation and deactivation of 7 Battalions within 104th Training Division over the course of two years. The 1-391st was the only battalion in the brigade with a dual mission; the Soldiers trained both USMA West Point Cadets and ROTC cadets
“You have left a life-long impression upon thousands of future Soldiers, said LTC Gomez. “(You have) laid the foundation for future officers on how Non-commissioned officers should act like, be like and aspire to be.”
LTC Johann Gomez addresses members of the 1-391st Regiment Training Battalion and distinguished visitors during the casing of colors ceremony at the Hall of Flags to formally inactivate the battalion.
U.S. Army Reserve photo Spc. Tynisha L. Daniel (Released)
The 391st colors have been cased before over the course of the nation’s history but our battle streamers proudly attest to the dedication, service and sacrifice of the Soldiers who have served before us,” he said.
Organized in July 1918, the U.S. Army Reserve 391st Regiment was constituted in the National Army as the 391st Infantry and assigned to the 98th Division to be reconstituted in 1921 in the Organized Reserves. Originally headquartered in Rochester, N.Y., the regiment was ordered into active service and reorganized at Camp Breckenridge, Ky. In Feb 1946 the regiment was inactivated in Japan and reactivated into the Organized Reserves in Dec 1946. Since 1946, the regiment has undergone reorganization and its headquarters has been stationed in Schenectady, N.Y. In 1971 the regiment was reorganized again to consist of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions as elements of the 98th Training Division, serving as part of the 104th Infantry Division, which is now the training division for the U.S Army Reserve.
“The positive and cheerful news about this deactivation is that the Soldiers and the mission of 1-391st continue without pause or notice to our customers at West Point that we support,” said Col. Fridley. “Fundamentally building the future leaders of our Army.”
Although the command structure of the battalion will cease. The service, reception and general instructor capabilities of the Soldiers of the 1-391st will continue to develop future warrior leaders at Cadet Summer Training and USMA. The mission of the 391st continues to be critical and will now be handed off to the 2nd Brigade and Soldiers of the 391st will be reassigned throughout the 104th.