Raymond Tsumpti

The 1249th Engineer Battalion is a unit of the Oregon Army National Guard with a distinguished history of service. Originally organized in the mid-20th century, the battalion has provided critical engineering support, including construction, route clearance, and infrastructure repair, in both domestic and overseas operations. The 1249th has deployed elements in support of operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and for disaster response missions within the United States. Known for its technical expertise and versatility, the battalion continues to play a vital role in both combat and civil support assignments.

The 20th Combat Engineer Battalion was first constituted on 11 December 1935 in the Regular Army and activated on 1 July 1940 at Fort Benning, Georgia. During World War II, the battalion provided crucial engineer support in the European Theater, participating in campaigns such as Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe. After the war, the 20th continued to serve with distinction, supporting U.S. Army operations during the Cold War and later in Operation Desert Storm. The battalion was inactivated on 15 October 1993 at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, after decades of dedicated service in combat engineering roles.

The 317th Engineer Battalion was constituted in the National Army on 5 August 1917 and organized at Camp Gordon, Georgia, during World War I. The unit served with distinction in France, providing vital engineering support for combat operations. Reactivated for World War II, the battalion participated in campaigns across the European Theater, including Normandy and the Rhineland. In the postwar era, the 317th has continued to serve as a combat engineer unit in the U.S. Army Reserve, supporting various missions at home and abroad.

The Warrior Transition Battalion (WTB) at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Washington, was established to provide comprehensive care and support to wounded, ill, and injured soldiers as they transition either back to active duty or to civilian life. Activated in the late 2000s as part of the Army’s response to the growing need for specialized care during the Global War on Terrorism, the battalion integrated medical, mental health, and administrative services under one command. Over the years, WTB JBLM played a crucial role in rehabilitating thousands of soldiers, fostering resilience and recovery through personalized treatment plans and adaptive programs. The battalion’s mission and structure evolved as part of the Army’s broader Soldier Recovery Unit (SRU) initiative, continuing its legacy of dedicated service and support to America’s warriors.

The 1st Squadron, 82nd Cavalry Regiment is a reconnaissance and surveillance unit of the Oregon Army National Guard, with a lineage tracing back to its formation in 1959. Historically, the squadron has provided armored reconnaissance capabilities, supporting larger brigade operations with intelligence and security tasks. The unit has deployed in support of operations both domestically, such as disaster relief, and overseas, including service in Iraq and Afghanistan as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Over the years, the 1-82nd Cavalry has demonstrated adaptability and professionalism, reflecting its motto "Ride Hard, Shoot Straight."