Louisiana bids farewell to its largest Guard unit

Photo By Master Sgt. Toby Valadie | Soldiers of the Louisiana Army National Guard's 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team bid farewell to family and friends at deployment ceremonies Jan. 6 at the Jackson Barracks, New Orleans, La., as they prepare to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

PINEVILLE, UNITED STATES

01.06.2010

Story by Sgt. Michael Owens 

Louisiana National Guard

PINEVILLE, La. - Family and friends gathered at 21 ceremonies throughout Louisiana this week to bid farewell to approximately 3,000 Louisiana Army National Guardsmen who are deploying to Iraq.

Soldiers of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team departed for their one-year tour that begins with training at Camp Shelby, Miss.

"Today, each and every one of you embarks to change the course of history," said Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, addressing the Soldiers at one of the ceremonies. "You set out to fight for freedom in a part of the world that does not have the same liberties we do in America."

Since the 256th deployed in 2004, many of the Guardsmen are leaving for the second and third time. Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, the adjutant general for the LANG, praised each one for answering the nation's call.

"We need to remember that every Soldier sitting here today is a true patriot," said Landreneau. "They are men and women who are willing to give up the comforts of home to answer our country's call to duty."

Many community leaders turned out to give accolades to the units that occupy their cities and parishes.

Lawrence Henagan, mayor of Dequincy, La., presented F Company, 199th Brigade Support Battalion, with one of the highest honors a person in his office can give.

"This unit is a big part of our city and community," said Henagan. "To show how much we appreciate your patriotism, I am presenting you with the key to the city."

After presenting the key, Henagan also gave the unit a banner full of signatures of the city's residents. "We want you to consider the city of Dequincy a part of your unit," he said.

In Shreveport, La., Mayor Cedric B. Glover also honored the brigade by signing a proclamation designating Jan.7 to be "Louisiana National Guard Day."

The brigade's mission will be to provide security to U.S. convoys and bases across Iraq.

"The 256th has a distinguished history, and we've already been battle-tested," said Col. Jonathan T. Ball, commander of the 256th. "We will accomplish our mission and bring your Soldiers back to you."

One of the things echoed at each ceremony was the fact that families play an important part in unit readiness.

"I can't leave without giving an honorable mention to the families," said Capt. John A. Carmouche, commander of F Company, 199th Brigade Support Battalion. "Their strong foundation and selfless service has helped prepare their loved-ones for the upcoming mission."

Brig. Gen. Glenn H. Curtis, the director of the LANG's joint staff, offered words from a Soldier's point of view.

"I've been deployed and have been a family member of a deploying Soldier, so I understand the emotions that are filling this room," said Curtis as he addressed the crowd at one of the ceremonies. "I know this unit's leadership from top to bottom, and if my sons were old enough to serve, I would feel comfortable knowing that the leadership would take care of them."

"We always hear of athletes and singers being called heroes," he added. "The men and women here today are the true heroes and patriots that make America great."

Although the families are the ones left behind, the Soldiers admit that it is not easy to step on the bus and not look back or have second thoughts.

"It will be hard to leave my family for a whole year," said Metairie, La., resident Sgt. Keith Dykes, of the 141st Field Artillery Regiment in New Orleans. "I know that my country needs me and that everything will be ok on the home front. This thought will keep me going throughout the deployment."

"The men and women of this unit remind us all of what America stands for," said Landreneau. "We wish them good luck, and Godspeed on their mission. Our prayers go with them, and we'll be looking forward to the next ceremony when we welcome them home."

The history of the 256th can be traced back to the early 1800's and has been involved with every major conflict since that time. The 256th deployed to Iraq in 2004-2005 and returned in time to assist with emergency operations during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. They also responded when Hurricanes Gustav and Ike impacted Louisiana.

• Date Taken: 01.06.2010
• Date Posted: 01.09.2010 17:10
• Story ID: 43611
• Location: PINEVILLE, US