New York National Guard Military Police Soldiers Recognized for Service In Iraq

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The 105th Military Police Company Deployment ceremony in March 2011.

BUFFALO , NY (04/21/2012)(readMedia)-- One hundred and sixteen Soldiers assigned to the New York Army National Guard's 105th Military Police Company will be honored for their service in Iraq in 2011 at a Freedom Salute Ceremony on Sunday, April 22 at the Connecticut Street Armory.

The 105th Military Police Company was the 1st New York Army National Guard unit to deploy to Iraq, in 2003, and the last to deploy, in 2011.

WHO: The 116 Soldiers of the 105th Military Police Company and their families. The Soldiers were mobilized in March 2011 and spent seven months in Iraq before returning from their deployment in November, 2011.

WHAT: A Freedom Salute Ceremony in which the Soldiers receive a flag and other mementos to commemorate their service in combat in support of Operation New Dawn. The children and spouses of Soldiers also receive items.

WHEN: 11 a.m. Sunday, April 22, 2012

WHERE: New York State Armory, 184 Connecticut Street, Buffalo, 14213

Coverage Opportunities:

Members of the press will have the opportunity to briefly interview unit leaders and Soldiers as well as family members. Imagery of the presentation ceremony and interview opportunities with New York Army National Guard Soldiers, leaders and family members.

Members of the media seeking access to this secure military facility must contact Capt. John A. VanLaningham at 315-439-3124.

BACKGROUND:

105th Military Police Company

The 105th Military Police Co was one of the first units in Iraq who participated in the invasion in the spring of 2003. The company spent 12 long months in combat before returning home to Buffalo.

Five years later, in late 2009, the Company was alerted to mobilize and return to Iraq to finish the job under Company Commander Captain John A. VanLaningham and First Sergeant Sheara-Lea J Snyder. Due to the timing of the deployments the Unit adopted the Moto: "FIRST IN, LAST OUT". 8 Soldiers got to witness both, being the first in and the last out.

The 105th is a unit with a long and distinguished history. Soldiers in the 105th, then an Infantry Company, served in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, the Mexican Border dispute of 1916, World War I, World War II, Bosnia, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn.

The unit has earned the Presidential Unit Citation and the Meritorious Unit Citation for their service in these conflicts.

The 105th Military Police's mission in Iraq was essential in the stabilization process of Iraq's Government and Security Forces; with Stability Transition Teams (STT) and Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRT) in the Ninawa Province and Mosul, in northern Iraq.

Working side by side with US officer through STT and officials of the US State Department through PRT the 105th Military Police Company made a great name for itself. The 105th not only ensured the security of all US Forces, but all Iraqi counterparts involved in every mission and proved to be pivotal during Operation New Dawn. Over 250 partnered missions were executed throughout this area.

These missions ranged from instructing AK-47 ranges, riot control training, Counter-IED training for the Iraqi Police, and was the Quick Reaction Force (QRF) for the entire COS Marez. The 105th was instrumental in the security of US Armed Forces and Security Forces during Operation Iron Lion at the Ghuzlani Warrior Training Center for over 3000 combined personnel.

The 105th MP Co was also responsible for turning in equipment and helping the US to vacate Iraq. When all forces were removed from Iraq, the missions entrusted to the 105th Military Police Company clearly defined a successful mission completed

National Guard Freedom Salute

In December 2003, National Guard Bureau in Washington, D.C., launched the Freedom Salute Campaign nationwide as a way to recognize members of the Army National Guard for service during Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom and thank their spouses, children, and employers for the support they have shown to their Soldier.

The Freedom Salute Campaign is one of the largest Army National Guard recognition endeavors in history. Each eligible Soldier will receive an encased American flag, a lapel insignia, a commemorative coin and a certificate of appreciation from the Army National Guard. The Soldier's spouse/significant other will receive a lapel insignia while Soldier who are considered a center of influence with young people will be given a Future Soldier Footlocker Kit that includes the Daring Eagle board game, Mission Command card game, and Army National Guard trading cards.