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La. Guard aviation unit honored at post-deployment ceremony

By Sgt. Quinlan M. Creech, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Assault Helicopter Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment, held a post-deployment awards ceremony at the Baton Rouge Marriott, Jan. 12.
During the ceremony, more than 40 soldiers received the Louisiana National Guard War Cross Medal in recognition of their service during their deployment to Kosovo in support of a NATO-led peacekeeping mission. The medal honors service members who complete at least 90 days of service during a national emergency, a declared war, or in other capacities at the president’s direction related to national safety and security.
The official party for the ceremony included Maj. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana; Lt. Col. Edwin Reliford, commander of the 1-244th; Command Sgt. Maj. Sud Robertson, LANG senior enlisted advisor-Army; and Command Sgt. Maj. Reginald Gagnard, senior enlisted advisor of the 1-244th.
“I’m proud of each one of you. You all did a great job. You’re truly what makes the Louisiana National Guard great,” said Friloux. “As you advanced our national strategic objectives, you conducted nine real-world medical evacuation missions, dropped more than 300,000 gallons of water during fire missions, and pumped more than 180 gallons of fuel during FARP [Forward Arming and Refueling Point] operations. You all know, and I know, you logged thousands of hours of flight time. Just an outstanding job.”
“You should each hold your head high, be proud of your accomplishments, and continue to represent the best of what Louisiana and the Louisiana National Guard have to offer. I’m honored to be your teammate as we protect what matters,” added Friloux.
Since 9/11, the 1-244th Assault Helicopter Battalion has deployed overseas numerous times and has been an essential component of Louisiana’s state emergency operations. The unit played a critical role in providing air evacuations and support during nearly every state emergency including many hurricanes, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and the 2016 floods.

 

 

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