Photo By Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang | Louisiana Army National Guardsman Lt. Col. Randall "Beau" Bradford, a resident of...... read more read more
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PINEVILLE, La. – Family, friends and Soldiers gathered to honor and participate in three events this weekend involving the Louisiana Army National Guard's 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 139th Regional Support Group, of Bossier City, La., as they held formal change of command and Freedom Salute awards ceremonies at the Sai Convention Center in Alexandria, La., March 1.
Lt. Col. Randall "Beau" Bradford of Pineville, La., who has commanded the battalion since Sept. 2007, to include a year-long deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, relinquished command to Maj. Randy S. Green of Bossier City, La.
"Lt. Col. Bradford is an excellent example of the kind of leadership we have today in the National Guard and the kind of leader we need in the future," Maj. Gen. Bennett C. Landreneau, LANG state adjutant general, said as he described the accomplishments of the battalion during its recent deployment.
The 165th provided command and control for more than 1,500 Soldiers and approximately 10 various support and logistics-type companies whose specialties include maintenance, repair, supply, transportation, convoy/route security and field services during their deployment to Camp Taji, Iraq. These subordinate units were comprised of 60 percent active Army troops and 40 percent National Guard and Army Reserve troops.
Bradford, a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and the Southern University Law Center, thanked Landreneau for the privilege of command during his final speech to the battalion. "Thank you for trusting in me to safeguard, protect and serve these great Louisiana Soldiers. We have a bond that we will never forget and have made friendships that will last a lifetime," he said.
Landreneau said that Green was chosen to assume command of the battalion because of his knowledge, experience and dedication. "He is a proven leader," he said as he addressed the Soldiers of the 165th. "You, once again, have the opportunity to be led by one of the most caring and capable leaders in the National Guard, and I am confident that this battalion will continue on the road to success under his leadership."
Green, who served as the executive officer while stationed in Iraq, stressed that he is honored and humbled to be placed in the position of leadership. "I assure that I will work hard to provide sound, capable leadership to the Soldiers assigned to this battalion," the two-time OIF veteran added.
Immediately following the change of command ceremony, Soldiers of the 165th were recognized for their recent deployment in a Freedom Salute awards ceremony.
Soldiers received an encased American flag, a commemorative coin, a certificate of appreciation and a lapel insignia. They were also awarded the Louisiana War Cross by the adjutant general.
"The Freedom Salute award is small, but it is a very important recognition because it is about duty, service and country." Landreneau said.
Prior to the ceremonies, Soldiers and their families spent the weekend at the Baymont Inn and Suites for reintegration training.
According to Col. John R. Angelloz, director of the LANG Reintegration Program, the training is held approximately 60 days after redeployment to give Soldiers the opportunity to talk to counselors about issues that may arise after returning to civilian life.
Because more Louisiana Guardsmen deploy in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom each year, LANG initiated the reintegration training in early 2007 as a way to help combat the problems that Troops and their families face after spending time apart due to overseas deployments.
"As I look across this room and I see the Soldiers and their families gathered here, all of us in uniform are reminded of how much we appreciate the support the families have given every day to our Soldiers," Landreneau said.
| Date Taken: | 03.01.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 03.03.2009 12:48 |
| Story ID: | 30686 |
| Location: | PINEVILLE, US |
| Web Views: | 407 |
| Downloads: | 270 |
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