New Mexico Minuteman - Spring 2012 - Keep Trees

1 st Battalion, 200 th Infantry Soldiers
to help keep a watchful eye in Egypt
By Joseph Vigil, Public Affairs Specialist, New Mexico National Guard
Family, friends and well wishers attended Yellow Ribbon ceremonies hosted by the
New Mexico National Guard Jan. 27-28, 2012, in Farmington, Albuquerque and Las
Cruces to bid farewell to more than 400 Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 200th Infantry Division,
who deployed to Sinai, Egypt, in support of the Multi-Force Observer mission.
Soldiers will conduct checkpoints, reconnaissance patrols, and observation posts
along the international boundaries to observe and verify compliance with the Treaty of
Peace. The deployment is scheduled to be a peacekeeping mission for one year and
will encompass fi ve units from various locations around New Mexico.
The MFO mission was established on Aug. 3, 1981, with the signing of the Protocol
to the 1979 Treaty of Peace between Egypt and Israel. Its mission is to ensure that
the treaty is being enforced and that Egypt and Israel are adhering to the agreed-on
protocol. Under the treaty, the MFO must employ its best efforts to prevent any violation
of the security measures set forth in the treaty.
The 1-200th Infantry Battalion mission will be to observe and verify compliance
with, and to report any violations of the limitations on military personnel and equipment
that are set out in the Treaty of Peace, and to ensure freedom of navigation
throughout Sinai, Egypt, using their best efforts to prevent treaty violations, to prevent
diffi culties and to resolve problems. The mission has been in existence since the 1981
inception and is not in the immediate area of the region that has seen recent events
take place in Egypt; nor is it in response to these events.
“I am grateful to you,” said Lt. Col. Miguel Aguilar, commander of the deploying
battalion, while addressing the families in the audience. “We know our families bear
the burden and this deployment would not be possible without your sacrifi ce and hard
work. We would not go without knowing that you have our back.”
Aguilar said it is with great pride and a privilege to add this deployment to the
battalion’s proud tradition of service. He assured the governor and Maj. Gen. Kenny
C. Montoya, the Adjutant General, that his Soldiers are ready to serve honorably and
take care of this very important mission. The battalion is answering the nation’s call
once again—their third deployment in recent years.
Gov. Susana Martinez honored the Soldiers and told them she was proud of them
for serving. Martinez also told the troops that New Mexico is extremely grateful for their
service. “We love you, value you and want to see you back in New Mexico when your
tour is over,” said Martinez. “I am praying for your safety and your speedy return.”
Martinez also reminded everyone not to forget the unsung heroes who stay
behind…the spouses, children and other loved ones.
Spring 2012 / NEW MEXICO National Guard 7