FORT BUCHANAN, Puerto Rico- Approximately, 100 soldiers assigned to the 301st Military Police Company, U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico, departed Sept. 11, 2012, toward a mobilization station in the continental states, where they will receive additional training, before departing to Afghanistan.
“I am very motivated and ready to accomplish our mission. It is natural that my family will be sad, but I know they are very proud of me,” said Spc. Samara Garcia-Rentas from San Juan, one of the nine female soldiers mobilizing.
The 301st Military Policy Company is the fourth US Army Reserve-PR unit mobilized this year in support of the war against terrorism.
“To be mobilized today, the 9/11 anniversary, is very important to us. It is a very especial experience and make us part of history,” said 1st Lt. Peter Lopez, platoon leader of the unit.
“Many members assigned to the US Army Reserve-Puerto Rico were just in grade school 11 years ago, watching the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan unfold on the news. They joined our ranks knowing they could be sent into harm's way. And by signing their names to join the Army Reserve, they became the authors of history,” said Brig. Gen Fernando Fernandez, senior U.S. Army Reserve officer in the Caribbean.
“The mobilization of these troops today is a clear evidence that, notwithstanding the 9/11 attacks are considered the worst terrorist attack in the history of the United States of America, they were not able to demolish the resilience, determination and courage of our soldiers and their families, especially of those assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve-Puerto Rico,” added Fernandez.
Members of the 301st Military Police Company were mobilized in 2004 at the Abu Gharib prison in Iraq, taking over the operation of the facilities after the irregularities were denounced.
The Army Reserve-Puerto Rico has mobilized approximately 5,000 troops since 2001, in support of the war against terrorism.
Date Taken: | 09.11.2012 |
Date Posted: | 09.11.2012 17:31 |
Story ID: | 94529 |
Location: | PR |
Web Views: | 182 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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