Soldiers from the 1st Mission Support Command, U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico National Guard had the opportunity to recently work together again, at the Fort Bliss mobilization station, as the National Guard personnel arrived there, during their mobilization for upcoming missions.

Since last year, members of the 210th Regional Support Group, a brigade element of the U.S. Army Reserve Caribbean Geographical Command, have been in charge of the largest U.S. Army mobilization platform in the United States at Fort Bliss.

"Since day one, when we arrived to El Paso airport, members of the Army Reserve-Puerto Rico have been assisting us greatly in our mobilization process," said Maj. Omar Gonzalez, Puerto Rico National Guard Mobilization Planner.

The Puerto Rico National Guard is currently mobilizing several units to include the 480 Military Police Company and the 1-65th Infantry Battalion, to the Southern Command area of responsibility.

"I felt at ease by knowing that our brothers and sisters from the Army Reserve-Puerto Rico were the ones in charge of the mobilization station. They have given us the necessary attention for the benefit of the units and the missions," added Gonzalez.

The Soldiers of the 210th Regional Support Group are in charge of providing the logistical support to all units mobilizing at Fort Bliss.

"Working together we have been able to streamline the mobilization process, ensuring they get whatever they need in order to accomplish their mission," said Col. Javier Rivera, Commander of the 210th Regional Support Group. 

The last time both Army teams worked together was during the emergency created by Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico. 

"It is a great honor to work again with the Soldiers from the Puerto Rico National Guard. We did it very well during the emergency created by Hurricane Maria in the island, and we are doing it again now, as part of the Total Force, one Army team," added Rivera.

The chemistry between the members of the teams has been evident, which facilitated many aspects of the training.

"We form a great team. As a U.S. Soldier from Puerto Rico, I feel very proud when I see how we work together," said Master Sgt. Amneris Ortega, Puerto Rico National Guard Mobilization Noncommissioned Officer. 

While the U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico is the largest federal U.S. Army command in the Caribbean, the Puerto Rico National Guard has a dual mission, responding directly to the State government, but also mobilizing in support of the needs of the nation when needed.