316th Psyop Co. soldiers deploy to Africa Published May 23, 2016 By Senior Airman Dakota Bergl 434th ARW Public Affairs GRISSOM AIR RESEVE BASE, Ind. -- Members of the 316th Psychological Operations Company said goodbye to family members May 7, 2016 as they prepared to leave Grissom for a deployment to Africa.The soldiers will be relieving other members of their company who have been in Africa for several months.Army Maj. Gary Williams, 316th Psyop Co. commander, addressed the families to ease any concerns that they might have about seeing their loved ones leave.“These men and women are without a doubt ready for their deployment,” said Williams. “They are all very capable and well trained.”Col. Doug Schwartz mirrored Williams’ confidence in the soldier’s abilities.“I want to assure the family members gathered here that these soldiers are ready for their mission,” said Schwartz. “These men and women are the next greatest generation and they will make us all proud.”Schwartz also urged family members to take advantage of Grissom’s Airman and Family Readiness Center if they run into any difficulty while their loved ones are away.“Our Family Readiness staff is always willing to help,” said Schwartz. “No matter what you need you can give us a call and we will do everything we can for you.”Army Sgt. Darrin Ferguson Jr., a 316th Psyop Co. psychological operations sergeant, said that he is very excited for the deployment.“I’m looking forward to a good tour,” said Ferguson. “This is my third deployment and it’s a different mission than my last two deployments. I’m very excited to work with the other branches again.”The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Airmen and aircraft from the 434th ARW routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission and U.S. strategic objectives.Stay connected, visit Grissom on Facebook and Twitter.
