Photo By Sgt. Brian Johnson | Maj. Gen. Nelson Cannon, commander of the 46th Military Police Command, addresses the...... read more read more
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GRAYLING, Mich. - Saying goodbye is never an easy thing. It becomes harder when you are sending a loved one off where you may not see them for over a year. On June 13, the family members and community of the Grayling-based 1434th Engineer Company had their departure ceremony at Grayling High School. The over 150 members of the 1434th were given a roaring sendoff to a capacity crowd in the school’s auditorium.
The 1434th was activated June 11 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The departure ceremony was a last formal chance for the community to say goodbye to the unit before it departs to its mobilization station for additional training at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin.
Addressing the departure ceremony were many dignitaries, to include the head of the 46th Military Police Command, Maj. Gen. Nelson Cannon.
“Answering the call is not easy,” said Cannon. “One of the hardest things to do is to say goodbye to a family member going into harm‘s way. But take comfort in the fact that today also begins the countdown to their homecoming."
Cannon also comment on the unit’s abilities. “The 1434th is well-led. They are well-trained and well-equipped. The unit has trained and it is ready. It is their time.”
Capt. Brian Iarossi, commander of the 1434th Engineer Company, spoke about what the unit will be doing on their deployment.
“When we leave Iraq, one year from now, the US. And Iraqi forces, civilians and police, will have stronger buildings, sanitary plumbing and safer electrical systems,” said Iarossi. “We will be helping to create a physical environment that will allow Baghdad to function as a city again. Combined with the brave soldiers training the Iraqi Army and police, we are building the legacy of the United State in Baghdad. We are building the future of 6.5 million people.”
Cannon also thanked the families of the soldiers for their sacrifice that they were about to make. “Your efforts on the home front are critical to the mission success.”
“Small towns know how to do a send-off right,” said Cannon. “I want to extend my appreciation to everyone who was able to make this send-off happen.”
| Date Taken: | 06.13.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 04.18.2015 21:16 |
| Story ID: | 160438 |
| Location: | GRAYLING, MI, US |
| Web Views: | 163 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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