FORT HOOD, Texas — Soldiers with the Pennsylvania Guard’s 109th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment, or MPAD, are finalizing readiness tasks and training before their deployment to Europe in support of U.S. Special Operations Command Europe, or SOCEUR.

The 109th MPAD is in Fort Hood, Texas, for about one month to validate personnel and equipment readiness through a series of required actions and training events designed to prepare them for mission success overseas. These efforts include completing medical and administrative check-ups, issuing equipment and completing a variety of required briefings.

Soldiers also are conducting refreshers on public affairs skills, reaffirming best practices for sharing SOCEUR’s story while deployed.

“Being here forces us to adapt, to reset our mindset and to build the discipline we’ll need overseas,” said Maj. Travis Mueller, commander of the 109th MPAD. ”It’s where we shake off distractions, tighten our systems and learn to move as one.”

In addition to administrative and training requirements, the unit is emphasizing physical fitness, morale and team cohesion. Soldiers participated in ruck marches and team-based physical training events, building endurance while strengthening trust and teamwork across the formation. Leaders also encouraged bonding by bringing Soldiers together for shared meals following long training days.

“I’ve really enjoyed the meal time,” said Spc. Skylin Simpson, a public affairs specialist with the 109th MPAD. “It’s nice to have that time to spend together, even though the day might split us apart.”

As the holiday season approached, Soldiers filmed holiday greeting messages for their families and loved ones back home, providing an opportunity to remain connected while preparing for time away. The unit also received and opened Christmas care packages donated by the American Legion, serving as a meaningful reminder of the continued support from organizations and communities back home.

“The holidays make this harder, but they’ve also made the team tighter,” Mueller said. "We’re not just preparing to deploy. We’re learning how to be a family away from home.”

Leaders stressed the importance of disciplined preparation and mutual support as Soldiers balance a demanding pre-deployment schedule while maintaining personal readiness.

“I’ve seen our Soldiers balance the grind and the holiday season with a mix of resilience, honesty and togetherness,” Mueller said. “None of this has been easy. There’s stress, uncertainty and the weight of leaving home. But what stands out is how they’ve leaned on each other.”

The unit’s time at Fort Hood provides an opportunity to identify and resolve issues early, ensuring Soldiers deploy with the equipment, training and confidence required to operate in a dynamic European environment.

The 109th MPAD is a unit within the Pennsylvania National Guard's 213th Regional Support Group. In 2023 and 2024, the 109th MPAD was named the public affairs organization of the year (large category) by the National Guard Bureau.