Chamberlain’s battalion answers the call to duty
Editor’s note: Members of the 133rd Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy) Maine Army National Guard have been called to active duty. During their time away from home, members of the unit will file periodic columns. The unit is currently at Fort Drum in New York.

On a warm summer’s day, soldiers from Maine far from home answered the call of duty and fought for freedom. The date was July 2, 1863. The soldiers of the 20th Maine Volunteers, led by Col. Joshua Chamberlain of Brunswick, prevailed against great odds on Little Round Top at the battle of Gettysburg.

Their spirit, courage and leadership overcame the challenges of that day. At a critical moment in history, soldiers from our home fought for the freedom of a people they did not know, for the betterment of us all.

Chamberlain’s Battalion has again answered the call to duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The heritage of the 20th Maine is carried on today by the 133rd Engineer Battalion, Maine Army National Guard.

The battalion has been called to service in times of war and peace. Most recently, the unit assisted in the recovery from the ice storm of 1998. Other conflicts in which the battalion has participated include Bosnia, the Berlin Wall Crisis and World War II. This battalion has savored great accomplishments but has also mourned the passing of too many members. Our history binds the battalion to the past, but also keeps us grounded in the present.

Wherever our destination is decided to be, the battalion will be a valuable asset. With a wealth of talent and modern engineering equipment, we will construct better facilities both for our fellow service members and the inhabitants of our area of operations. Morale is good, and there is a common goal among the soldiers of the battalion to complete our assigned missions and take care of one another so that we will come home as we leave, together.

Our first stop is Fort Drum, N.Y., where we will conduct additional training to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead of us. Beyond that, a great deal is unknown even to us. Our aim is to keep our families and communities informed of what is happening with the battalion while we are away from home.

Over the next several months of our planned deployment, we will send regular journals back to Maine. We would like to thank you for the support we have received from our communities. It makes our difficult challenges ahead easier to bear knowing that people back home are looking out for us and our families. We will endeavor to represent the good will and hard working spirit of Maine everywhere we go.

Capt. M.D. Mitchell lives in Freeport.

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