OKMULGEE, Okla.  –   In a formal ceremony, the U.S. Army recognized and rewarded an Oklahoma Army National Guard unit for their outstanding performance while deployed overseas.

On February 5, the Department of the Army awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation to Company A, 777th Aviation Support Battalion, 345th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 90th Troop Command.

Company A received the award in recognition of their service and accomplishments during their 2016-2017 deployment to Kuwait. During this time, the unit was deployed in support of Operations Inherent Resolve, Spartan Shield, and Freedom’s Sentinel. They deployed as a distribution support company to an aviation support battalion. They provided fuel, water and supplies to four separate locations, accruing 75,000 miles driven during resupply operations.

“They were out making a difference over a really large area,” said Lt. Col. Tonia Toben, commander of the 345th CSSB. “They were there providing logistical support to multiple units, not just one.”

The Meritorious Unit Commendation is given to units who carried out their mission with outstanding performance during a period of combat. The standard of accomplishment required for a unit to earn a Meritorious Unit Commendation is equal to an individual soldier earning the Legion of Merit.

The award consists of two components. First, a streamer is displayed on the unit’s colors as a symbol of dedication to duty and willingness to make sacrifices to accomplish their mission. Second, the individual Soldiers who were deployed with the unit are awarded a scarlet ribbon within a frame of laurel leaves. Twenty-seven Soldiers were permanently awarded the commendation during the ceremony.

“They will have this award for the rest of their careers,” said Toben. “This award is a reminder for those Soldiers of what they did and why they did it.”

The unit was essential in the disruption of ISIS operations and contributed to the liberation of Mosul. Their mission set was varied and complex, and their versatility and commitment set the standard for aviation task force operations in Iraq, Kuwait, Jordan, Afghanistan, and Syria in Joint Security Area Georgia. The Soldiers on this deployment leave a legacy for the future of the unit.

Company A, 777th ASB is designated as an “always ready” unit, meaning they are ready for any mission at any time.

“A big part of their future is making sure that we are always ready if needed to be called,” Toben said.