Pennsylvania teacher stays connected with her students while deployed with Guard December 23, 2020 U.S. Army Spc. Anna Schmeck, automated logistical specialist with Headquarters Support Company, 628th Aviation Support Battalion, 28th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade, poses for a photo at a motor pool in the 28th ECAB's area of operations in the Middle East. She made the sign for her students and colleagues at Conrad Weiser West Elementary School, where she works as a teacher. (U.S. Army/Spc. Stanford Toran) When she learned earlier this year that her Army National Guard unit was soon to deploy, a third-grade teacher at a Pennsylvania elementary school faced the challenge of telling her 22 students about her departure.