BANGOR, ME – Today, U.S. Senator Angus King honored the 286^th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (286 CSB) Maine Army National Guard at a Meritorious Unit Citation Ceremony in Bangor. The 286 CSSB mobilized on January 24, 2009 in Support of Operation Enduring Freedom with 81 Soldiers to Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, and today’s ceremony recognized their service and sacrifice as well as that of their families.

“Throughout our history, brave men and women from Maine have served our country with great distinction and pride, helping to secure the freedoms that we enjoy each and every day,” Senator King said. “The 286^th is a testament to that extraordinary tradition of service, and I was honored and humbled to be among these courageous men and women and their families.”

The 286 CBB provided sustainment operations for Regional Command South during the largest buildup of equipment and supplies in the history of U.S. operations in Afghanistan. Serving under 45th Sustainment Brigade they provided support to an estimated 30,000 Soldiers. In addition to this critical support the unit took the initiative to partner with Canadian Forces to mentor the 205th Corps of the Afghan Army in principles of sustainment operations. This effort gave the Afghan unit the necessary skills to provide sustainment during combat operations.

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