By Staff Sgt. David C. Kirtland, 241st Mobile Public Affairs Attachment
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s 1084th Transportation Company bid farewell to family and friends during a deployment ceremony held at East St. John High School in LaPlace, July 5.
Approximately 150 Soldiers from the 1084th are deploying in support of Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce, a mission focused on strengthening collective defense, improving interoperability and reinforcing readiness among U.S. and NATO allies across Europe.
“Today, we gather not just to mark the departure but to honor a commitment to duty, to service and one another,” said Capt. Zachary Trahan, commander of the 1084th. “To our Soldiers, I want to express how proud we are of each of you. You’ve trained hard, stayed ready and carried yourselves with professionalism and integrity. We will be safe, adaptive, disciplined and professional in everything we do.”
The official party included senior LANG leaders Col. Augusto Villalaz, the director of the joint staff, and Command Sgt. Maj. Clifford Ockman Jr., command senior enlisted leader, as well as 1st. Sgt. Lorenzo Lawson, the 1084th’s senior enlisted advisor.
“To our Guard members that are deploying, thank you for being part of the one percent of the United States population that serves our country,” said Villalaz. “You took an oath to support and defend our nation against all enemies, foreign and domestic. Your service enables the preservation of our democracy. I would also like to extend my thanks to every family member here today. You are the backbone of this unit and the true unsung heroes of the Louisiana National Guard.”
The 1084th, headquartered in Reserve, Louisiana, deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit also supported numerous state emergency responses, including multiple major hurricanes and assisted neighboring states during emergency operations.
