BAGRAM AIR FIELD, Afghanistan – Bravo Company 7-158th Spartan soldiers have packed their bags and are ready to pass along their role in Regional Command East to the “Motor City Muscles,” a National Guard unit from Michigan and Ohio.

When asked about the challenges and accomplishments of his company, U.S. Army Capt. Jonathon Lackcamp, Co. B, 7-158th commander will tell you of his unit’s trials and how much his soldiers have gained during their Afghanistan deployment.

“One positive aspect was the requirement to place new personnel in positions of leadership and responsibility. We had new maintenance managers, weather officer or NCO, phase team leaders, pilots-in-command, air mission commanders, standardization pilots and commanders of detachments,” said Lackamp, a native of St. Joseph, Miss. “Hopefully the additional experience and expertise will benefit the two units in the future, but I am very proud of a lot of the individuals who decided to step-up to the plate and fill those rolls with success.”

Approximately 131 Spartans were split up between three different forward operating bases and completed more than 10 months of aviation support with 10th Combat Aviation Brigade and 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade. The reserve unit assumed the responsibility of nine CH-47 Chinooks, flew an excess of 4,700 hours and conducted more than 1,030 internal and external cargo movement operations throughout RC-East.

For many Spartan soldiers like Sgt. 1st Class Mark Wilson, who has served more than 11 years with the unit, the deployment brought many challenges.

“This was my first rodeo as a platoon sergeant. It was my job to train my soldiers and ensure they understood the mission,” said Wilson, a native of Paola, Kan. “I achieved that, but the most challenging part about this deployment was losing three of my comrades. Trying to be strong for my troops, but mourn their loss, was the toughest thing I had to do.”

The Spartans last mission is to ensure that they provide their replacements with the information they need to succeed as they carry on performing extremely demanding missions such as, night vision goggle heavy lift missions, deliberate operations and movement of troops across the battlefield.

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