Families bid farewell to Louisiana Guardsmen

Photo By Sgt. Michael Owens | Family and friends gathered to bid farewell to members of the Louisiana National Guard’s 415th Military Intelligence Battalion at a special ceremony held at Parkview Baptist School in Baton Rouge before embarking on a 365-day deployment, Dec. 2. Approximately 120 soldiers, based in Carville, are deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to conduct counterintelligence, force protection and language support operations to the land forces commander. The soldiers were given an encouraging speech from Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, the adjutant general of the LANG, who focused on the challenging tasks these men and women will face while overseas. “I want each of you and your families to know that I am proud of you. You are the best of what America has to offer,” said Landreneau. “You are led by the best, and your abilities and experience will serve you well.” “Good luck, god-speed and I look forward to the next ceremony when we get to welcome you home,” said the two-star general. Lt. Col. Markus S. Lueder, commander of the 415th, was very proud of the job his unit has done so far and upbeat about their upcoming mission. “We have trained very hard the past few weeks to get where we are,” said Lueder. “I know that we have the best of the best, and I am confident that our unit will be successful.” “I know that we are going to make our families proud,” said Staff Sgt. Robert S. Dyess of Walker. “I’ve made preparations that will help my family while I’m gone, and now I can focus on my mission knowing that the home front is taken care of.” Families and friends expressed great admiration for their loved ones’ courageous commitment to serve their country. “I’m extremely nervous, but I know that he is going to take care of himself,” said Dyess’ wife, Amanda. “I know he’s going to do well and serve proudly, and I can’t wait until their homecoming next year.”  

NEW ORLEANS, LA, UNITED STATES

12.02.2010

Story by Sgt. Michael Owens 

Louisiana National Guard

NEW ORLEANS – Family and friends gathered to bid farewell to members of the Louisiana National Guard’s 415th Military Intelligence Battalion at a special ceremony held at Parkview Baptist School in Baton Rouge before embarking on a 365-day deployment, Dec. 2.

Approximately 120 Soldiers, based in Carville, are deploying to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to conduct counterintelligence, force protection and language support operations to the land forces commander.

The soldiers were given an encouraging speech from Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, the adjutant general of the LANG, who focused on the challenging tasks these men and women will face while overseas.

“I want each of you and your families to know that I am proud of you. You are the best of what America has to offer,” said Landreneau. “You are led by the best, and your abilities and experience will serve you well.”

“Good luck, god-speed and I look forward to the next ceremony when we get to welcome you home,” said the two-star general.

Lt. Col. Markus S. Lueder, commander of the 415th, was very proud of the job his unit has done so far and upbeat about their upcoming mission.

“We have trained very hard the past few weeks to get where we are,” said Lueder. “I know that we have the best of the best, and I am confident that our unit will be successful.”

“I know that we are going to make our families proud,” said Staff Sgt. Robert S. Dyess of Walker. “I’ve made preparations that will help my family while I’m gone, and now I can focus on my mission knowing that the home front is taken care of.”

Families and friends expressed great admiration for their loved ones’ courageous commitment to serve their country.

“I’m extremely nervous, but I know that he is going to take care of himself,” said Dyess’ wife, Amanda. “I know he’s going to do well and serve proudly, and I can’t wait until their homecoming next year.”

• Date Taken: 12.02.2010
• Date Posted: 12.03.2010 09:35
• Story ID: 61278
• Location: NEW ORLEANS, LA, US