City Honors Task Force That Served in Iraq

After several delayed attempts to host its “adopted” U.S. Army Reserve unit, the City of College Park honored Task Force Freight Train with a lunch on Saturday at Ledo Restaurant, one year after the unit returned from Iraq.

“I’m tickled pink we were able to do this,” said former College Park Mayor Stephen Brayman, who proposed the city adopt the unit of 131 soliders based in Fort Eustis, Va.

Brayman said he got to know Maj. Aaron Smith, a College Park resident, as a contract police officer and chief pilot for Prince George’s County Police Department, and wanted to send support to his task force.

The city council passed a resolution in 2009 to adopt Freight Train, Director of Public Services Bob Ryan said. The Adopt-a-Unit program, run by America Supporting Americans, helps cities build support for active and reserve troops, both in the U.S. and overseas.

College Park employees sent care packages of cigars and Dunkin’ Donuts coffee to the troops until they returned in winter 2010, Ryan said. 

“It was a very nice relationship,” said Smith, who became the unit’s commander in 2008.

In 2009, the city declared Sept. 19 Freight Train Day in College Park. The unit mobilized the following October, and sent the city newsletters with updates.

Freight Train provided large cargo supplies and led air assaults throughout the southern section of Iraq, going as far north as Baghdad. Earlier this year, the Army Aviation Association of America awarded Freight Train the United States Army Reserve Aviation Unit of the Year Award. 

The unit includes lawyers, plumbers, nurses, police officers, firefighters, and other professionals, integrating diverse skill sets, Smith said.

The unit is now working with the Department of Homeland Security, and they’re on a training mission for the National Capital region.