The Sunburst Division sets off into the sunset
40th Infantry Division Soldiers mobilize to Middle East
in historic deployment
The 40th Infantry Division held a deployment ceremony at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, Calif., June 11, 2023. Deploying under U.S. Army Central Command, for Operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield, this marks the largest deployment of the headquarters element, more than 500 Soldiers, since the Korean War. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. Marla Ogden, 69th Public Affairs Detachment)
The 40th Infantry Division held a deployment ceremony at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, Calif., June 11, 2023. Deploying under U.S. Army Central Command, for Operations Inherent Resolve and Spartan Shield, this marks the largest deployment of the headquarters element, more than 500 Soldiers, since the Korean War. (U.S. Army National Guard video by Sgt. Marla Ogden, 69th Public Affairs Detachment)
story by Private 1st Class William Espinosa
69th Public Affairs Detachment
June 15, 2023
LOS ALAMITOS, Calif.— Families and Soldiers fill the hangar with smiles, tears, and hugs in anticipation of their imminent departure. Their moment is bittersweet, as they cherish their time together before having to say goodbye for the following year.
Outside, a Soldier and his mother embrace each other, tears running down their cheeks with the understanding that once they let go, he would be boarding a plane with other Soldiers leaving the country.
With families staying home and seeing their loved ones move forward with their mission, it is a difficult time for all parties involved, but they all share a common bond of love and sacrifice.
"For the families, thank you for your support," says U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Refugio Rosas Jr., command sergeant major of the 40th Infantry Division, "Without you, we could not do this. Thank you for what you bring to this nation."
The California National Guard's 40th Infantry Division held a historical deployment ceremony before their mobilization to support Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve, missions to build partner capacity and increase regional security in the Middle East. The 40th Infantry Division has not deployed a headquarters element of this size, numbering more than 500 Soldiers, since the Korean War.
At the onset of the Korean War in 1950, the 40th ID was ordered into federal service and mobilized in January 1952. The division fought valiantly through four campaigns, and continues to keep close ties with the Korean community and Korean War veterans.
Today, the Sunburst Division's involvement with Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Spartan Shield will deploy Soldiers across the Middle East, including Iraq, Jordan, and Kuwait.
Division Soldiers spent the past year preparing for the deployment, which included multiple training events and a Warfighter exercise to ensure the unit was deployment ready.
"This deployment will test our capabilities and stamina, but I can attest to all of you, that this division headquarters, the sunburst division, is up for the challenge," said Maj. Gen. Michael Leeney, commander of the 40th ID.
For many young Soldiers like Priavte 1st Class Bryson Brown, a signal support specialist with the 40th ID, this will be their first deployment.
"I'm excited to earn my [deployment] patch, I am already proud of this uniform, but this patch will put me a step above most Soldiers," he said.
For others—senior officers and enlisted —the upcoming deployment presents new opportunities to grow as a Soldier.
"I think every mission within the military gives an opportunity to grow," says Capt. Fernando Ruelas, an officer with the 40th ID. "I am now an older officer, and I am able to see the bigger picture as opposed to my previous deployments. Now I'll have a greater responsibility."
The ceremony was attended by senior leadership of the Cal Guard, Rep. Michelle Steel with the 45th Congressional District, and Sen. Bob Archuleta with California's 30th State Senate District.
During the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Matthew P. Beevers, the adjutant general of the Cal Guard, attended the event and gave words of encouragement to the Soldiers going overseas.
"You are the California National Guard, and you will bring uniquely California values to the region," said Beevers. "Values of tolerance and values of treating everybody with dignity and respect,.
As the day proceeded and the Soldiers finished saying their goodbyes, senior leadership personally shook the hands of all Soldiers boarding the plane, commencing their journey on this deployment.
"You are the California National Guard, and you will bring uniquely California values to the region. Values of tolerance and values of treating everybody with dignity and respect."
A child waves an America flag while family members of deploying 40th Infantry Division Soldiers watch the departure ceremony at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, June 11. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Hill)
A child waves an America flag while family members of deploying 40th Infantry Division Soldiers watch the departure ceremony at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, June 11. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Hill)
"This deployment will test our capabilities and stamina, but I can attest to all of you, that this division headquarters, the sunburst division, is up for the challenge."
Maj. Gen. Michael Leeney, commander of the 40th Infantry Division and Command Sgt. Maj. Refugio Rosas Jr., command sergeant major of the 40th ID, shake hands with their Soldiers as they board a plane in Long Beach, June 11. (U.S. Army photo by Private 1st Class William Espinosa)
Maj. Gen. Michael Leeney, commander of the 40th Infantry Division and Command Sgt. Maj. Refugio Rosas Jr., command sergeant major of the 40th ID, shake hands with their Soldiers as they board a plane in Long Beach, June 11. (U.S. Army photo by Private 1st Class William Espinosa)
A Soldier with the 40th Infantry Division spends time with his family prior to during a deployment ceremony at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, June 11. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Elizabeth Buck)
A Soldier with the 40th Infantry Division spends time with his family prior to during a deployment ceremony at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, June 11. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Spc. Elizabeth Buck)
Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers, the adjutant general of the California National Guard, speaks at the deployment ceremony for the 40th Infantry Division at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, June 11. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Hill)
Maj. Gen. Matthew Beevers, the adjutant general of the California National Guard, speaks at the deployment ceremony for the 40th Infantry Division at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, June 11. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Hill)
Family members of deploying 40th Infantry Division Soldiers wave signs at departing busses during a deployment ceremony at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, June 11. (U.S. Army National Guard photo Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Hill)
Family members of deploying 40th Infantry Division Soldiers wave signs at departing busses during a deployment ceremony at Joint Forces Training Base Los Alamitos, June 11. (U.S. Army National Guard photo Sgt. 1st Class Kimberly Hill)
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