By Maj. Darren T. Herring Jr., Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
NEW ORLEANS – The Louisiana National Guard’s 1021st Vertical Engineer Construction Company, 205th Engineer Battalion, 225th Engineer Brigade, held a post deployment awards ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in Baton Rouge, July 13.
During the ceremony, more than 40 citizen-Soldiers were awarded the Louisiana National War Cross Medal. This medal is awarded to Louisiana Guardsmen who served honorably for a period of at least 90 days in the event of a national emergency, declared war, or at presidential behest in other capabilities related to national safety and security.
The official party for the ceremony included Brig. Gen. Jason Mahfouz, LANG assistant adjutant general – Army and Command Sgt. Maj. Larry Johnson, LANG State Family Programs director.
“For the families, and those who supported your Soldier while they were away from home, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thanks on behalf of the command group,” said Mahfouz. “To our Soldiers, whether this be your first time deploying or you’ve deployed multiple times, thank you on behalf of this grateful nation for stepping up and doing what you do best.”
During their deployment, the 1021st EVCC mobilized more than 40 Guardsmen to the Central Command Area of Responsibility in support of Operation Spartan Shield to perform engineer construction operations. Falling under the Colorado National Guard’s 947th Engineer Company based out of Montrose, Colorado, the unit directly impacted CENCOM’s operational capabilities by contributing to the completion of over 60 projects, totaling over $21 million dollars in construction.
This mobilization marks the 1021st’s second overseas deployment since 9/11. This unit is also a key part of state emergency operations and has provided support for many state emergencies.
