| Ohio MPs depart for yearlong Iraq tour |
196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Soldiers and family members of the 583rd Military Police Detachment prepared for the unit’s impending mobilization Jan. 25 during a deployment ceremony at Crossroads Church here. The unit mobilized two days later for a yearlong deployment in support of the Global War on Terrorism. The Soldiers first headed to Fort Dix, N.J. for a few months of mobilization training and then are scheduled to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These next few months will be some of the most intense training the unit has faced, said Capt. Erik Luca, the detachment commander. Troop morale is good, if apprehensive, Luca said. Soldiers expressed both sentiments. “I have been preparing for years,” Sgt. Nathan Simpson said. “I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.” Spc. Nicholas Cayton, who recently completed initial entry training, said he had mixed emotions. Luca praised the Ohio National Guard for supplying his troops with all the necessary equipment, including improved body armor. The 583rd was reorganized in September 2006, federally recognized in April 2007 and notified of its deployment in October 2007. “I’m kind of excited to finally get to do something for this country besides drill (one weekend per month).” Simpson said. “(Now) I get to do my part.” -30- |
