FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Friends, family, and fellow service members said goodbye and good luck to the Soldiers of the 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade and 26th Signal Company at their official send-off ceremony for their deployment to the Horn of Africa in support of the Combined Joint Task Force Horn of Africa, at Bowditch Field, July 24, 2025.
Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, daughter of a US Navy Veteran and mother of a Soldier in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, attended the ceremony.
“You all are a force rooted in New England history, driven by your commitment to support, serve and protect us in a way that no one else can,” said Lt. Gov. Driscoll. “As your lieutenant governor, I’m extremely proud to see the best of the best representing Massachusetts. You have shown the world and the people of this Commonwealth that you are not only a monument of strength and courage, but also extremely hardworking, intelligent, inspiring and selfless in your service.”
Maj. Gen. Gary Keefe, the Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, addressed the families and friends of the 26th, reminding them to reach out if they needed any support while their loved ones were gone.
He spoke highly of the professional Soldiers in the brigade and about the high deployment rate the Massachusetts National Guard has had in the past year.
“I want to thank Colonel Wilder, the leadership of the 26th Brigade, and the Soldiers — the men and women of the 26th — for answering the call as the Massachusetts National Guard always does,” said Maj. Gen. Keefe.
Col. Nathan Wilder, Commander of the 26th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, talked about the history and future of the Brigade.
“Today, as we wear the same Yankee Division patch, we carry the same spirit physically, mentally, and morally, ready for whatever challenge lies ahead in the Horn of Africa,” said Wilder.
Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa conducts operations to enhance partner nation capacity, promote regional stability, dissuade conflict, and protect U.S. and coalition interests.
“As a proud member of the Movement Enhancement Brigade, it is an honor to stand before you with my fellow Soldiers as we prepare to deploy to Africa where we ill serve as the forward nucleus with the staff of the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, a mission of critical importance,” said Wilder.
