Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel    
    
        Special Victims Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Article View
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 Christmas comes early for Guardsmen, families By Courtesy Story
 NEW ORLEANS - All members of the Louisiana National Guard’s 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team are finally home after serving a year-long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, returning throughout the first three weeks of December. “These Soldiers are truly great Americans,” said Army Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, the adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard. “These heroes stepped up to our nation’s call to protect our freedoms, and it is great to welcome them home.” Approximately 3,000 Guardsmen, assigned to different units within the 256th, received smiles, hugs and cheers as they unloaded buses at their unit armories across Louisiana. “It really feels great to be home,” Army Spc. Dex Legendre said.  “The timing of our return will make this a very special holiday season.” In January, the 256th IBCT mobilized and deployed approximately 3,000 troops to Iraq as they began their second tour in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These Soldiers completed demobilization training in Camp Shelby, Miss., before returning to Louisiana. “We had a multitude of missions, and the Soldiers did an outstanding job,” said Army Col. Jonathan Ball, the 256th commander. “I have a lot of pride in their performance.” The 256th's Soldiers were spread throughout Iraq conducting various missions to include: base defense and entry control point operations, convoy security, personal security, garrison command, special operation missions and unmanned aerial flight operations. Louisiana Guardsmen routinely interacted with personnel from the local Iraqi military, U.S. Embassy and United Nations within the International Zone, formerly known as the Green Zone. “Morale stayed high the whole time, and they did an outstanding job,” said Army Command Sgt. Maj. Kenneth Wagner, the 256th senior enlisted advisor. “I was never more proud to be their sergeant major.” During this 2010 deployment, they helped set the conditions for the responsible withdrawal of U.S. Armed Forces and equipment as they transitioned to Operation New Dawn in September 2010.
 SHARE
 PRINT
 
 New York’s 109th Airlift Wing Begins 2024 Greenland Missions
 By Tech. Sgt. Madison Scaringe,
  Virginia Guard, Tajikistan Conduct Key Leader Exchange
 By Mike Vrabel,
  Guard Soldiers, Czech Partners Celebrate Victory in Europe Day
 By Staff Sgt. Jeff Clements,
  More
 New York’s 109th Airlift Wing Begins 2024 Greenland Missions Guard News • 16 hours ago
 Vermont Air Guard Tests Weapon Systems in Florida Exercises Guard News • 20 hours ago
 New England Civil Engineers Strengthen Skills During Training Exercise Guard News • 4 days ago
 Idaho Guardsmen Train with Canadian and Polish Allies Guard News • 4 days ago
 New York National Guard Headquarters Staff Marks Memorial Day Guard News • 5 days ago
 2024 (162)  2023 (427)  2022 (526)  2021 (697)  2020 (936)  2019 (387)  2018 (323)  2017 (346)  2016 (245)  2015 (356)  2014 (399)  2013 (469)  2012 (556)  2011 (533)  2010 (1071)  2009 (357)  2008 (638)  2007 (295)  2006 (188)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil