Courtesy Photo | An Indiana National Guard UH-60 Black Hawk prepares to take off as another lands at...... read more read more
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DANVILLE, Ind. — Outside the Danville Fairgrounds Conference Center the weather was cold and snowy. Inside, Indiana National Guard Soldiers received warm well-wishes during their departure ceremony Friday, Feb. 22.
The 38th Military Police Company Soldiers traveled to Fort Dix, N.J., Feb. 24, to train for their upcoming deployment to southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Indiana State Sen. Connie Lawson talked of words painting pictures as she addressed the troops. "Fewer words will be necessary when you return to outstretched arms, welcoming you back home in Indiana," she said.
Other honorees who addressed the mobilizing Soldiers included Maj. Gen. Richard B. Moorhead and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael L. Lucas, the commanding general and top enlisted Soldier with the 38th Infantry Division; and Danville's town manager and police chief, Gary Eakin and Keith Gill respectively.
"Today, without the National Guard, the Army cannot carry out its mission," said Moorhead as he addressed the Soldiers and their well-wishers. "You are to be commended for dedication to the nation and the Army.
Moorhead also praised the Soldiers for helping Iraq and the United States maintain their liberties. "These freedoms can only be guaranteed by Soldiers like you," he said.
The 170-person company is scheduled to train Iraqi police officers during their year-long mobilization and deployment.
The company commander, 1st Lt. William McGray, commended the National Guard Soldiers and their families.
"In a time of crisis America has always been able to depend on the National Guard, back to the Revolution," he said. "Know that your families support and stand behind you, and by supporting you, they are standing up for America too," he said.
While the 38th starts its journey, the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat team is about two months into its own. The Soldiers of the 76th IBCT are scheduled to leave Fort Stewart, Ga., for southwest Asia this weekend. That single deployment marks the largest for Indiana National Guard troops since World War II.
| Date Taken: | 06.19.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 06.19.2009 11:16 |
| Story ID: | 35338 |
| Location: | DANVILLE, US |
| Web Views: | 254 |
| Downloads: | 230 |
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