273rd Sapper begins new chapter with deployment

The names have changed along with the tasks, but the Medford-based National Guard unit continues to answer the call to service.
A gathering of family, friends and community members said good-bye and good luck to the 273rd Sapper Company Saturday morning during a ceremony at the Medford Area Middle School. The unit, which was formed from Alpha Company of the 724th Engineer Battalion, is now at Fort McCoy and preparing for overseas deployment next month. The unit will serve in Iraq to help the country on its road to recovery after decades of war and despot rule. When the day comes where our countries truly view each other as friends and allies, the humanitarian efforts of units like the 273rd will be the backbone of the relationship.
No one can predict the outcome of any deployment, but there are reasons to have confidence in this unit. They have prepared well for the assignment and have demonstrated a commitment to get the job done. These soldiers do not need an individual spotlight to complete tough and important jobs. The unit also brings the legacy of success left by past units in Medford and throughout the National Guard and Reserves. These units have proven increasingly important to security with quality and efficent results during duties at home and overseas.
No matter what the purpose of the call, any deployment of National Guard or Reserve forces comes with the extra burden of separation from civilian life and the sacrifice of families. Honor those commitments and burdens by building on the legacy of local support for the unit and its families.