Utica-based New York National Guard Military Police Soldiers Recognized for Service at Guantanamo Bay

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UTICA, NY (09/21/2012)(readMedia)-- The Soldiers of the 107th Military Police Company will be recognized for their service as part of Joint Task Force Guantanamo on Sunday with a Freed Salute Ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 23.

WHO: The 170 Soldiers of the 107th Military Police Company and their families. The Soldiers were mobilized in June 2011 for a year of service conducting a security mission at the military detention facilities at Guantanamo Bay Naval Station.

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: 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012

WHERE: Wildcat Field House, Wildcat Drive, SUNY Institute of Technology, Utica, N.Y.

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.

BACKGROUND:

107th Military Police Company

The 107th Military Police Company was founded in 1808 as the Utica Independent Rifle Company. Its first deployment was in 1813 to Sackett's Harbor for the war of 1812. In 1837, the unit was re-designated as the Utica Citizens Corp. In 1861, the unit became Company A, 14th New York Volunteer Infantry at which time a Utica native, Daniel Butterfield, who is credited with writing the bugle call "Taps", had been a member of the unit.

In 1898, the company deployed for the Spanish-America War as Company E, 1st New York Infantry was called to duty on the Mexican border. In 1917, they were deployed for World War I. in 1942, Company L, 106th United States Infantry, was deployed to the Pacific for World War II. In 1951, the 336th Anti-Air Unit was federalized for the Korean War.

From 1951-1958, the unit became Company G of 101st Armor Cavalry, NY Army National Guard. In 1961, the unit became the 107th Military Police Company. From 1990 to 1991, the 107th deployed for Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. On September 11th, 2001 the company deployed to New York City in response to the attacks on the World Trade Center.

From 2002-2004, the unit deployed twice to Fort Drum in Support of Operations Noble Eagle and Enduring Freedom. 2004 saw the 107th become the first National Guard unit to take part in United Nations peace keeping training in Sri Lanka.

From 2008-2009, member of the 107th deployed to Iraq with our sister company, the 206th Military Police Company. During 2011 there were 23 Soldiers deployed in Iraq with another of our sister companies, the 105th Military Police Company.

The company was mobilized in June 2011 and spent 10 months providing security at the military detention facility at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base as part of Joint Task Force Guantanamo. The unit returned from deployment in June 2012.

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.