Story by: Capt. Stephen Martin, Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs
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The 1988th Contingency Contracting Team, based out of Frankfort, Ky., held a small departure ceremony today at the Louisville International Airport-Standiford Field as they prepare for an overseas deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Stephen Martin)
LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The 1988th Contigency Contracting Team, based out of Frankfort, Ky., held a small departure ceremony Apr. 1 at the Louisville International Airport-Standiford Field as they prepare for an overseas deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
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"You are absolutely the very best we have to fill such a critical need," said Brig. Gen. Ben Adams, Director of the Joint Staff for the Kentucky National Guard. "You'll represent us and the Commonwealth well, I know."
The 5-man unit will deploy a team of 3 to Afghanistan to support the service members in country through writing and coordinating contract work over the next year.
Staff Sgt. Brian Hubbs is one of the members going with the unit and this will not be his first time overseas, deploying in support of both OEF and OIF numerous times over the last several years.
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State Command Sgt. Major Thomas Chumley discusses the upcoming deployment with Staff Sgt. Brian Hubbs, his fiance, Jamirae Hammons and his mother, Clara as Hubbs prepares to board a plane to leave the state. The 1988th Contingency Contracting Team, based out of Frankfort, Ky., held a small departure ceremony today at the Louisville International Airport-Standiford Field as they prepare for an overseas deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Capt. Stephen Martin)
"We've worked at USPFO (United States Property and Fiscal Office) for the last twelve months honing our skills for this deployment," said Hubbs. "We're ready."
Hubbs' fiance Jamirae Hammons was also at the airport to see him off.
"We've been engaged since July," said Hammons. "I'm already looking forward to him coming home and getting to have our wedding."
"I'm going to miss him so much."