Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner and State Representative Tim Butler shake the hands of Soldiers at a ceremony for the 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment on June 7 at Camp Lincoln, Springfield Illinois. The unit is deploying to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba later this month. (U.S. Army National Guard Photo by Staff Sgt. Robert R. Adams, Illinois National Guard Public Affairs)

The Illinois National Guard’s 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment (MPAD) based in Springfield, Illinois recently conducted a deployment ceremony at Camp Lincoln, Springfield, Illinois.

The unit is deploying to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as military journalists, whose mission is to inform the public about training exercises and events, conduct media engagements and community outreach, and generally report on the U.S. military in Cuba.

These actions are adding support to a recently reestablished diplomacy between the two countries.

Several dignitaries attended the ceremony, including Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner, State Representative Tim Butler, and Maj. Gen. Daniel Krumrei, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard.

Governor Rauner said it was an honor for him to be able to attend the ceremony and be a part of sending the unit off.

“With your dedication and sacrifice, you are Illinois’ finest, God bless you,” said Rauner. “This deployment is critically important for facilitating communications with Cuba.”

General Krumrei said the public affairs soldiers are vital to the overall mission in Guantanamo Bay.

“Not only will you be making history, you will be writing it,” said Krumrei.

Krumrei said he is confident each soldier in the unit will go above and beyond to accomplish their mission.

Capt. Dustin Cammack of Chicago, commander of the 139th MPAD stressed the significance of his unit’s mission.

“The level of media scrutiny we will be under is extremely high,” said Cammack. “Our goal is to provide maximum disclosure with minimum delay.”

Cammack said he is proud of the unit’s achievements thus far, and expects nothing short of excellence from them over the course of this deployment.

The 139th is expected to return next spring.