Over 160 National Guard Soldiers To Be Deployed To Kuwait

Over 160 soldiers in the Louisiana National Guard’s 1086th Transportation Company are heading to Fort Hood, Texas for training before being deployed to Kuwait.

Col. Ed Bush says a deployment ceremony will be held for the Bunkie-based unit in Pineville on Saturday. He says during their one year deployment, the soldiers will provide logistic transportation support.

“The logistical effect is huge, there in theater, that’s what this unit is going to go do. This is a very typical mission for them and they’ve deployed before to do this, as well.”

The 1086th deployed in support of Operations Desert Storm in 1991, Iraqi Freedom in 2003 and Enduring Freedom in Kuwait in 2011. Bush says these soldiers have participated in several state responses, like last year’s historic floods.

“They have high water vehicles and they’re able to move large amounts throughout the state. They become invaluable during floods and states of emergencies.”

Bush encourages everyone to get out to support the 1086th Company at their deployment ceremony this Saturday at 4 p.m. He says Governor John Bel Edwards will be a guest speaker to send these brave men and women off.

“It’s important to him, as a veteran himself, that he be there to say farewell to all these units as they head out the door. He’s been a great friend to the guard all these years.”