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By Sgt. Michael L. Owens
Louisiana National Guard State Unit Public Affairs Representative
HAMMOND, La. – Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s 204th Theater Airfield Operations Group gathered at the Hammond Army Aviation Facility to bid farewell to family and friends during a deployment ceremony near the Northshore Regional Airport in Hammond, La., June 5.
“I am honored to be here to offer my support and prayers to these great men and women here today,” said Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal. “Louisiana is proud of these Guardsmen that have devoted their lives to something beyond themselves.”
Approximately 40 Guardsmen will begin training at Camp Shelby, Miss., in preparation of their year-long deployment in support of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Soldiers were given an encouraging speech from Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, adjutant general of the LANG, who focused on the challenging tasks these men and women will face while overseas.
“These Soldiers are dedicated professionals and we are extremely lucky to have such talented men and women in this unit,” Landreneau said. “When you look around this room, you see what America really stands for.
“From the highest levels, this unit is known for being the best Theater Airfield Operations Group in the entire Army, and their reputation continues to be one of excellence,” added the two-star general.
For many of these Soldiers, including Chief Warrant Officer 4 Michael B. Chapman, this will be their second or third deployment in support of operations in the Middle East.
“I am excited to have the chance to deploy with this unit. This will be my third deployment, and I cannot wait to see this unit in action,” said Chapman.
Family members were also recognized and shown appreciation for the sacrifices and support they provide for the deploying Soldiers.
“Without the family members that are sitting here today, these Guardsmen would not be able to execute the mission at hand,” said Col. William S. Brannan, the 204th’s commander. “Our families are the center of gravity for everything we have accomplished.”
While deployed, the 204th’s mission will be to provide command and control, staff planning, supervision and standardization of all airfields and air traffic in Iraq and surrounding areas. They will serve as subject matter experts in airfield and air traffic control functions.
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