FORT HOOD (Now designated Fort Cavazos), Texas— Over twenty Soldiers from the 502^nd Dental Company (Area Support) have deployed to Europe on a nine-month rotation, in support of U.S. Army Europe-Africa mission requirements. The dental specialists will provide support to U.S. Forces forward deployed in the European Theater and dispersed throughout multiple locations. The 502^nd Dental Company is part of the 9^th Hospital Center and 1^st Medical Brigade, headquartered at Fort Hood (Now designated Fort Cavazos).

“We have tremendous confidence in the abilities of these Soldiers,” said Col. Nathanael Forrester, commander of the 9^th Hospital Center. “They are trained and ready to meet the challenges of providing high-level dental care in some very austere environments. The dental services they provide forward help preserve the strength of the force and keep Soldiers ready.”

Another important aspect of deployment is the impact on Families. “Communication is key when Soldiers are away. We do everything we can to make sure the Families of the 502^nd are supported while their Soldiers are gone. They sacrifice so much to help accomplish the mission.”