Photo By Master Sgt. Paul Meeker | Sgt. Jarrod Jowers of the 39th Military Police Company, 773rd Military Police...... read more read more
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By Sgt. 1st Class Paul C. Meeker
Louisiana Army and Air National Guard
SHREVEPORT, La. – More than 120 Louisiana National Guard Soldiers said farewell to family and friends at a memorable deployment ceremony Sunday morning, Oct. 5, 2008, at Shreveport's Municipal Memorial Auditorium.
Soldiers from the 39th Military Police Company of the 773rd Military Police Battalion, come from all over Louisiana and reflect in their service a commitment to their communities, state and nation that is unique to Citizen-Soldiers.
The commander of the 39th, Capt. Calvin Foremen of Gonzales, La., spoke proudly of the readiness of his company. "We took every opportunity of every day to train like there's no tomorrow," he said.
Foreman described the mission of the 39th to train, mentor and coach the Iraqi police force as critical to the Iraqi government's determination to ensure the safety and security of its citizens as they move towards greater autonomy. He reassured his Soldiers that their well-being was uppermost in his mind. "We train together; we sweat together; we're going to combat together, but ... most importantly, we're coming home together," he said.
Foreman, a business development manager for Insituform Technologies out of Chesterfield, Mo., brought on a thunderous "Hooah!" when he announced that the "Reapers" of the 39th Military Police Company are the cream of the crop, the best in the state, the best in the Military Police regiment and the best in the Army National Guard!
Louisiana State Senator B. L. "Buddy" Shaw, who represents Caddo and Bossier parishes, brought the Soldiers and families to their feet when he talked about the character of the 39th MPs.
"I am utterly amazed that we have those among us who are willing to commit and train to carry out their mission for the United States of America and the state of Louisiana and for us – all the people. I appreciate what you do," said Shaw.
For Sgt. Jarrod Jowers, of Minden, La., this second deployment is only slightly easier on his mind than his first go-round in the desert. "It's hard ... but my wife and I have talked about it and we're ready," said Jowers.
Jower's wife, LeAnn, the 39th family readiness group leader, echoed her husband's sentiments. "We've talked to our kids for months. They know what Daddy's job is. Daddy is going to fight the bad guys so that we can be safe at home," she said.
The 39th Military Police Company Soldiers were escorted by the Louisiana State Police and approximately 40 Patriot Guard Riders, a national motorcycle rider alliance committed to showing respect for those who risk their lives for America's freedom and security. The riders, many of whom are veterans, stood at attention in full motorcycle regalia with American flags flying as the Guardsmen left the building.
Their next destination is Fort Dix, N.J., where they will begin two months of intensive training before deploying to Baghdad, Iraq.
| Date Taken: | 10.07.2008 |
| Date Posted: | 10.09.2008 10:47 |
| Story ID: | 24736 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 700 |
| Downloads: | 346 |
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