HATTIESBURG, MS. - At Camp Shelby Training Center near Hattiesburg, Mississippi, there was a special send-off for the members of the Louisiana National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Friday complete with Louisiana food, Cajun music and some Who Dats.
Just days before they head to Iraq, their commanders thanked them, and their families cheered them.
And the brigade answered back with a big, 'Who Dat.'
"The 256 has been critical as part of that effort," First Army Division East Commander, Major General Michael Bednarek. "And that same determination brought a Super Bowl victory just a few weeks ago for our New Orleans Saints, and galvanized a nation. Can I have a Who Dat for them? WHO DAT!"
The 3,000-plus troops come from across Louisiana, including the Washington Artillery based in New Orleans, and this is their second tour of duty in Iraq.
"256th has not only been there in Iraq and Afghanistan," said Lieutenant Governor and New Orleans Mayor Elect Mitch Landrieu, "They've been fighting terror abroad, man made threats, but natural threats as well, when Katrina and Rita, and Ike and Gustav hit, called to duty."
In Iraq, they will be providing security for military convoys and bases.
"They're well trained, they're well equipped," said Louisiana National Guard Commander, Major General Bennett Landreneu. "They will be able to accomplish their mission well, and we know that they will make all of us very proud."
They've been at Camp Shelby since early January in training, and they leave for Iraq by mid March for a nine month deployment. So this was a valuable day to spend just having fun with their families.
As they enjoyed huge pots of jambalaya served by smiling volunteers, they talked about the training that has made them ready for this mission.
"Oh, we're ready, we're ready," said Master Sergeant Derick Shields of the Washington Artillery. "We're combat strong, we're combat prepared, and with all prayers, we'll come back safe."
"Of course we are going to miss him," said his father, James Shields, "but this is his job, and this is what he has to do, so we are just asking for everyone to [ray for each of the guys that are over there."
But it is tough to say goodbye.
"Just wait for me to come back," said Staff Sergeant Michael Gil, of the Washington Artillery. "I'll be back." "And we'll be here waiting for him," said his mother, Lydia Berthelot. "Yep. We'll pray for him, we'll be here waiting."
"He's going to go and come back," said grandson Sebastian Gil.
And everyone will be counting the days until these families are together again.
