FORT CARSON, Colo. -- More than 150 Soldiers of the 59th Military Police Company said goodbye to their Families and friends Feb. 11 at the Special Events Center during a ceremony for their upcoming deployment in support of Operation New Dawn.
Lt. Col. Christopher A. Burns, 759th Military Police Battalion commander, commended the Soldiers for their dedication and training for the upcoming mission in Iraq.
"Today, with eight plus months of hard work and training behind you, it's my responsibility to officially bid farewell to you on yet another operational deployment," Burns said.
"First, I want to say farewell as you depart on what will more than likely be this battalion's last unit (to deploy to) Iraq. And simultaneously, I want to thank you for your preparedness and your willingness to serve our great nation, and to acknowledge and thank the Family and friends who are with us today."
The ceremony afforded the Families and friends of the deploying Soldiers a chance to say their final goodbyes and wish their loved ones a safe journey.
"And to the Families - now I'm not going to ask you guys not to worry about your loved ones, because I know that simply would not apply. But I do want to ensure those of you remaining back home that the training, equipment and support our Soldiers receive as part of their preparation for these deployments makes them one of the best training forces in the world," Burns said.
The battalion commander said the 59th MP Company has been given a clear mission to accomplish with a clear end state - transition detainee operations to the Iraqi Administrative Justice.
"All of you are about to embark upon an extremely strategic mission that will challenge you in many ways - physically, professionally and mentally," Burns said. "Your priorities, your values must be displayed in every deed and reflected in the actions of every man and woman serving within the internment facility."
As the ceremony came to a close, the battalion commander left the Soldiers with one last piece of advice for their mission.
"Capitalize on your experience and lessons learned to ensure your deployment is a success."
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