La. National Guard unit deploys, marks 9/11 anniversary
PINEVILLE, La. – Marking the tenth anniversary of 9/11, the Louisiana National Guard, family and friends bid farewell to approximately 170 Soldiers of the 1086th Transportation Company during a deployment ceremony at Louisiana College in Pineville, Sept. 11.
Governor Jindal said, “Today, we send the 1086th Company off to Afghanistan. We send you off because you make up the most formidable weapon on the face of the earth – the will of a free people devoted to protecting and defending freedom at any cost. That is why we are here to honor and send off a willing and free group of people who have willingly become the frontline defenders of freedom.”
The unit, based out of Bunkie with detachments in Vidalia and Ville Platte, will deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Its combat mission is to provide transportation and combat support to units within its assigned area of operations through maneuver and mobility, and perform other missions as assigned.
“Since 9/11, the Louisiana National Guard has continuously had Soldiers deployed around this state and across the globe,” said Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, adjutant general of the LANG. “This deployment is an important reminder to us all of our nation’s fight against global terrorism on this ten year anniversary of the attacks against our country.”
Over the years, the 1086th has provided support during Operation Noble Eagle and Operation Iraqi Freedom, and disaster relief for Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, Gustav and Ike. Additionally, Soldiers from the 1086th supported state efforts for the Deep Water Horizon Oil Spill, Task Force Bon Voizen in Haiti and again recently for Operation River Guardian.
“It is my honor to lead these Soldiers on the mission and to represent the state of Louisiana,” said Capt. Michael Stevens, 1086th commander. “However, we could not do this without the unfailing love and support from the families and friends that remain here.”
Brothers Spc. Charles E. Fontenot and younger brother Pfc. Austin Fontenot, both from Port Barre, are just two of the Soldiers volunteering to deploy with the unit.
“I promised Austin that if he ever enlisted and deployed, I would deploy with him and protect him,” said Charles, returning from a deployment with the 256th IBCT last year.
“I can’t wait to get there and experience what this deployment has in store,” said Austin. “It will be nice to have him there with me.”
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“These Soldiers, all volunteers, are the best that our nation has to offer. They continue to remain dedicated to protecting our nation and the citizens of our state, and will stay focused on that mission to ensure the safety of our way of life,” said Landreneau.
The 1086th departed for Fort Hood, Texas, for approximately two months of mobilization training following the ceremony.
