Louisiana Guardsmen Join First Team
Camp Black Jack, Baghdad -- The Louisiana National Guard's 256th Tiger Brigade arrived in the Iraqi capital Nov. 4 in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III. After months of training and preparation, the brigade combat team is gearing up for their mission under the leadership of Brig. Gen. John Basilica, Jr.
"We are proud to become members of the 1st Cavalry Division's First Team," Basilica said. "We are here to make a difference and to help finish the job."
Just like the Cajun delicacy from the unit's home state, the 256th BCT is a gumbo of additional units. Attached to the Louisiana brigade are units from New York, Minnesota, Washington, Wisconsin, and Illinois. The six states came together in May and trained for six months at Fort Hood, Texas, then deployed for Kuwait in October. Following a few more weeks of training they began the march north to Baghdad.
Spc. Robert Baker of Headquarters Company, 199th Forward Support Battalion, said that the convoy north was stressful. "Because of what we see on the news and the different stories that we have heard, we all had some fear and anxiety," he said.
But Baker added that the fear and adrenaline was also what kept him and his fellow Soldiers alert and aware of their surroundings at all times.
"It was just like being a football player in a high school championship game," he said. "We went over the plays, or battle drills, in our heads and there was a lot of anticipation just before we rolled out. We made sure that we knew what to do."
Since their arrival, the Soldiers of the 256th have been preparing to assume their mission. Cody Thibodeaux of Company A, 1088th Engineer Battalion, is pleasantly surprised by his living conditions.
"I love this place," he said. "It's tough being away from home, but it's really pleasant to live here. The rooms are really decent."
Other than missing his family, Thibodeaux hasn't had to sacrifice much of anything. "The gym and food are unbelievable," he said. "I was worried about what kind of workout facilities would be available to us, but I'm very impressed."
The 3,700 Soldiers of the Tiger Brigade are going through pre-combat checks and inspections.
When asked of how he would describe the area to his loved ones back home, Thibodeaux reflected on one of his favorite television shows. "This is our own version of M.A.S.H.," he said, " ... with the tents, the choppers, and the mud. I almost feel like a cast member."
Release #041104h
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