Members of the Iowa National Guard 1133rd received a heartfelt send-off Sunday, as they embarked on a year-long mission to Poland in support of Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce. The mission is part of the United States’ commitment to international order and security of NATO allies.
Prior to Sunday’s send-off, Cory Rios, a Clear Lake resident supported by One Vision, met with members of the 1133rd to present a “Warrior Chain.”
Rios dedicated nearly two years to collecting community messages of support for the troops. He attended several public events, inviting people from all walks of life and locations to scribe words of encouragement and signatures on pieces of paper. Then, link by link, month by month, staple by staple, he put together roughly 150-feet of paper chain links made from the contributions.
The 1133rd plans to remove one link from his chain for each day during their deployment, as a sort of count-down clock to coming home.
During his meeting with troops at the Armory, Rios received a Commander’s Coin from one of the Guard’s officers in appreciation. The rare coins are a way for senior leadership to show their appreciation for a phenomenal job, which Cory will carry in his pocket each day in remembrance.
Rios said he was inspired to start making the Warrior Chain for the troops during COVID. After watching a piece about the Wounded Warrior Project on TV, he thought the chain would be a way to help those who serve.
“ A lot of sweat went into making it, and I’m just happy that I can help the men and women of our country,” he said.
“This is an excellent example of an individual with disabilities advocating for himself in the interest of wanting to give back to the community. For many months, Cory has put hours of time into this project,” said Erin Gansen Luong, from One Vision. She added special thanks to the Iowa National Guard 1133rd, Staff Sergeant Katie True, Michael Bartusek, Lee Paul and Amber Myers for supporting Rios to accomplish his goal to support the troops.
Approximately 160 Soldiers from the 1133rd, with a detachment in Iowa City, deployed Sunday. The company will transport equipment and supplies in support of U.S. and NATO forces.
