To mark the 3rd Infantry Division’s first deployment to Afghanistan and fifth deployment since 2003, its Headquarters & Headquarters Battalion conducted a colors-casing ceremony Wednesday at Fort Stewart’s Woodruff Theater.
Gov. Nathan Deal, making his first visit to Stewart since becoming governor in 2010, was the guest speaker for the ceremony.
Casing the unit’s colors prior to movement to another theater of operation is a longstanding Army tradition, according to 3rd ID public affairs. In a few weeks, the Division Headquarters & Headquarters Battalion will assume command and control of Regional Command-South, one of the five regional commands in Afghanistan.
 “As a former Army officer, I’m indeed proud to be here,” Deal told guests, soldiers and family members. “All of us should be reminded of our great heritage as a nation. People are asking if the United States of America still has the same principles it has had throughout history. I know (the 3rd ID) will uphold those principles and give us the security to protect us here at home.”
Following the governor’s remarks, two simultaneous color-casing ceremonies took place.

Read more in the Aug. 11 edition of the News.