2,000 Louisiana National Guard Members Prepare For Overseas Deployment

Around 2,000 members of the Louisiana National Guard prepared for their overseas deployment on Tuesday (November 10). Ceremonies were held throughout the day for members across the state.

"Fellow citizens know the hard work and the challenges that our soldiers face in ensuring that we protect what matters, that we're working with the home team," said Maj. Mark Castillon, an executive officer with the U.S. Army. "Our soldiers were all over the state. We were in Lake Charles, we were here, and this is part of what we do. I can't stress enough, when trouble occurs, we're the first responders."

According to FOX 8, some 200 soldiers at Jackson Barracks would stop in Texas before being deployed to the Middle East for a year. Their focus is to support the U.S.'s Central Command Operations.

Some of the soldiers have been deployed overseas before, but that doesn't mean it is easier for them and their families.
"I would say it's easier for me because I've done it before but it's not. It doesn't get easier," said Sgt. First Class Robert Masters. He said this will be his longest deployment away from his family, including his 4-year-old son.

Photos from the deployment ceremony can be found at FOX 8's website. More ceremonies were held for military only, but family and friends could watch livestreams of the events on the Louisiana National Guard Facebook page here.

The deployment comes one day before Veterans Day, November 11, 2020.

Photo: Getty Images