Subscribe
PHOENIX — The 855th Military Police Company was honored in a departure ceremony Sept. 25 at Papago Park Military Reservation before their departure for Iraq Sept. 26. This is the second time the unit had deployed after Sept. 11, 2001.
On hand with donated hamburgers and hotdogs was the American Legion, Sons of the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
"We're just here to provide a lunch and some cold drinks for the soldiers and their families," said Bunny Hamilton, Post 44 American Legion Auxiliary president.
"This is a joint effort within the American Legions and American Legion Auxiliaries within the Phoenix area," said Carol Hamburger, Arizona state American Legion commander. "We have different legions here, such as Post 44 from Scottsdale and Post 26 from Mesa.
"I'm really proud of this united effort and it looks like it's a huge success!" said Hamburger.
Before the official ceremony, family and friends of the MP soldiers were able to check out some of the vehicles, or humvees, that the soldiers would be driving during the deployment. They were also allowed to pick up and examine some of the weapons that the soldiers are issued while overseas. Shawn Corsetti, brother of Spc. James Corsetti, sat in a humvee for the first time while at the ceremony.
"This humvee is pretty neat," said Shawn. "I couldn't imagine riding in it, though!"
Nikki Davis, girlfriend of Pfc. Justin Ries, handled some of the weapons on display.
"I didn't think that they were this heavy," she laughed.
Also in attendance Phoenix police officer Jennifer Todd, who was there to send off a fellow police officer, Sgt. Jason Halleman.
"We've had over 170 individual deployments from our police department since Sept. 11, 2001," said Todd. "Deployments are hard on the police department, because we're definitely a family there, and we're really going to miss Sgt. Halleman. We'll be here when he gets back!"
In attendance for the ceremony was Maj. Gen. Hugo E. Salazar, the adjutant general and commanding general of the Arizona National Guard, Col. Timothy Dorn, commander of the 98th Troop Command, Maj. Alejandro Navarrette, commander of the 850th Military Police Battalion, Command Sgt. Maj. Armando Rascon, command sergeant major of the 98th Troop Command, and Command Sgt. Maj. Paul Ohland of the 850th Military Police Battalion.
Arizona State Treasurer Dean Martin also made an appearance and spoke during the ceremony. During his speech, Martin quoted "Murphy's 13 Laws of Combat Operations," a humorous play on "Murphy's Law," which was met with laughter.
"Incoming fire has the right of way," quipped Martin. "And never tell a platoon sergeant that you have nothing to do."
"To be serious, it's an absolute honor to be here," said Martin. "Thank you so much."
Thanking the families and friends of the company, Salazar also thanked the soldiers for their service.
"Quite a few of you are deploying for the second time," said the general. "I'm confident that we have done everything we can to train you. Come back safe!"
Dorn also had some parting words for the company.
"This will be the most challenging and rewarding experience of your military careers," said Dorn. "Never compromise your ethics. You've earned my trust and respect."
"Without family, we have nothing. Without faith, we have nothing," said Capt. Noel Chun, commander of the MP company, while thanking the families of his soldiers.
The 855th MP company has a very rich history here in the Arizona Army National Guard. During its 76 years of service, the unit has participated in many campaigns to include World War II and the Defense and Liberation of Kuwait. The 855th was last deployed from February 2003 to April 2004 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
| Date Taken: | 10.01.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 10.01.2009 17:05 |
| Story ID: | 39552 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 2,155 |
| Downloads: | 760 |
This work, 855th Military Police Deploy to Iraq, by SSG Miko Booth, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
