Shawn Cobb

The 2nd General Hospital, Landstuhl, traces its roots to World War II, when it was activated to provide comprehensive medical support for U.S. and Allied forces. Relocated to Landstuhl, Germany, after the war, the unit became integral to the Landstuhl Regional Medical Center, the largest American military hospital outside the continental United States. Throughout the Cold War, the 2nd General Hospital was a critical hub for treating casualties and supporting NATO operations in Europe. In recent decades, it has treated thousands of wounded service members from conflicts in the Middle East, playing a vital role in the U.S. military’s global medical response capability.

MEDDAC Fort Riley, Kansas, formally known as the United States Army Medical Department Activity, Fort Riley, traces its origins to the 19th century, supporting soldiers stationed at this historic post since its establishment. The unit has provided comprehensive medical care to service members, their families, and retirees, adapting its mission through conflicts from the Indian Wars to present-day deployments. Over the decades, MEDDAC has operated Irwin Army Community Hospital, named in honor of Brigadier General Bernard John Dowling Irwin, a pioneer in Army medicine. Today, MEDDAC Fort Riley continues to play a vital role in maintaining the health and readiness of the 1st Infantry Division and the greater Fort Riley community.

The 1st Battalion, 508th Airborne Infantry Regiment (1/508th AIR) was originally activated in October 1942 at Camp Blanding, Florida, as part of the famed 82nd Airborne Division. The battalion distinguished itself during World War II, participating in key operations such as the D-Day landings in Normandy, Operation Market Garden in the Netherlands, and the Battle of the Bulge. After periods of inactivation and reactivation, the 1/508th has served in various capacities during the Cold War, the Global War on Terror, and NATO missions, demonstrating flexibility and readiness as an elite airborne unit. Today, the battalion maintains its proud legacy as part of the 82nd Airborne Division, upholding the motto "Fury from the Sky."

The 5th Special Forces Group, also known as the 5th SFG, is one of the elite special operations forces of the United States Army. They are known for their expertise in unconventional warfare, foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, and direct action missions. The 5th SFG primarily focuses on operations in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia. They are highly trained individuals who work in small teams to accomplish high-risk missions in hostile environments.

The Army National Guard (ARNG) of Maryland, officially known as the Maryland Army National Guard, traces its roots back to colonial militia units formed in the 17th century. Throughout its history, Maryland ARNG units have participated in every major American conflict, from the Revolutionary War and Civil War to both World Wars, the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and recent operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. The unit has played a vital role in both national defense and state emergencies, assisting with disaster relief and civil support missions. Today, the Maryland Army National Guard continues to serve with distinction, providing trained soldiers for federal missions abroad and supporting the state’s needs at home.

The 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne), or 1st SFG(A), was activated on June 24, 1957 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, as one of the original Special Forces units. It was later stationed in Okinawa, Japan, establishing its focus on operations in the Asia-Pacific region. Throughout the Vietnam War, the 1st SFG(A) conducted critical unconventional warfare, training indigenous forces and conducting direct action missions. After a brief deactivation in 1972, the unit was reactivated in 1984 at Fort Lewis, Washington, where it continues to play a vital role in U.S. Indo-Pacific Command missions, counterterrorism, and humanitarian operations worldwide.