Louisiana National Guard holds deployment ceremony in Carville, LA

By 241st Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

CARVILLE, La. – Soldiers of the Louisiana National Guard’s 756th Area Support Medical Company bid farewell to family and friends during a deployment ceremony at the Gillis Long Center, Sept. 2.

More than 65 Soldiers will deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom to support six sites in the cities of Bagram and Kabul where they will be providing emergency medical, sick call, dental, ancillary and medevac services.

“Today, these Citizen-Soldiers are stepping up to the plate to serve our state and nation at an important time when we need them the most,” said Big. Gen. Joanne F. Sheridan, assistant adjutant general of the Louisiana Army National Guard. “They will be deploying to protect our freedom and interest at home and abroad.”

The 756th ASMC, based at the Gillis Long Center in Carville, La., is organized into three platoons: Treatment, Ambulance, and Headquarters. It is comprised of medical occupation specialties such as surgeons, doctors, physician assistants, nurses, combat medics, radiology technicians, dental technicians, and vehicle and generator mechanics.

“In the past year, I’ve seen this unit make changes that I’ve never thought possible,” said Maj. Tarren Kingsley, commander of the 756th ASMC. “These men and women have come together to form a military medical team that are trained and motivated to complete the missions ahead of them.”

As the 756th ASMC deploys in service of their country, they leave behind sons, daughters, significant others and friends. While deployed, the unit’s families will have the Family Readiness Group to look to for guidance and support while their loved ones are gone.

“We are here to support the families and friends of the 756th by promoting self-sufficiency, resiliency and stability during this deployment,” said Jami Blankenship, the Family Readiness leader for the 756th ASMC.

The 756th will conduct mobilization training at Fort Hood, Texas, before deploying overseas.

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