Governor Jindal's Remarks at Louisiana National Guard Deployment Ceremony

Today, Governor Bobby Jindal addressed a departure ceremony for approximately 300 members of the Louisiana National Guard's 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT) before they leave for two months of training at Camp Shelby, Mississippi prior to deploying to Iraq on a nine-month mission in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. This will be the 256th Brigade's second deployment to Iraq.

Below Are Governor Jindal's Remarks As Prepared For Delivery:

*** Note: Governor Jindal also spoke off-the-cuff ***

"I want to start off today with a quick story from January 31, 1943 - when a young Marine escorted a strike force of dive-bombers ordered to attack Japanese forces in the South Pacific.

"When the strike forces the Marine was leading approached their target area - at 14,000 feet -- they encountered a large number of Japanese warplanes.

"The Marine instantly engaged the hostile planes and aggressively countered their repeated attempts to drive away the US forces.

"He then picked up a call for assistance from US dive-bombers under attack by enemy floatplanes down at 1,000 feet. He plunged into the formation of enemy planes and disrupted their attacks, enabling the US dive-bombers and torpedo planes to complete their assault on the Japanese position.

"Although his escort mission was finished, the Marine continued to fight. He fought against the odds and destroyed three enemy aircraft. As he prepared to fly back to base, two more Japanese warplanes closed in behind him.

"He opened fire and blasted both of them from the sky, but his own plane was so damaged, he was forced to bail out at a dangerously low altitude over enemy territory -- where he would remain for 15 days.

"This Marine was Captain Jefferson Joseph DeBlanc of Lockport, Louisiana -- serving in the Marine Fighting Squadron 112.

"Captain DeBlanc would live to tell his story and later receive the Congressional Medal of Honor for his heroic actions that day in 1943.

"He was lauded as a "superb airman and an indomitable fighter" and his medal is now on display at the National World War II Museum in New Orleans.

"When Captain DeBlanc first got in his plane on that January day in 1943, I am sure he did not intend to forever change the course of history.

"He probably did not expect to take out an historic amount of Japanese aircrafts in a single air fight.

"He probably did not expect to end up behind enemy lines or to eventually win a medal of honor for his service that would be displayed at a museum.

"No. I am sure that Captain DeBlanc showed up that day simply planning to do his job.

"Today -- some 66 years later, we are gathered to mark the second deployment of the 256th Brigade Combat Team to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Although time has changed many things in the years since Captain DeBlanc left Lockport for WWII, your dedication to service and many sacrifices to protect our freedom are very much the same.

"The next several months will be surely be filled with what will seem like ordinary tasks. You will be given your missions and work together to complete them as you have so ably done many times before.

"In fact, the 256th Brigade's military service has ties all the way back to forces under the Spanish Providence of Louisiana in 1769. In more recent times, the 256th has served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2004 to 2005, and here at home -- running the rescue and response efforts for Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

"While your missions over the next months may feel "ordinary" -- today, we gather here to honor the fact that your service is making an extraordinary and historic mark on our nation and our world. A mark that will live on long after this deployment is completed.

"Today -- each and every one of you embarks to change the course of history.

"Today, you set out to fight for freedom in a part of the world that does not have the same liberties we do in America.

"Today, you set out to offer your abilities, your service and even your lives to protect our peace here at home.

"And, today -- we honor your service and your sacrifice.

"You are the heroes who have chosen to dedicate your lives to something far greater than yourself…something that surpasses the boundaries of time or the limitations of geography.

"You have dedicated your lives to serving our country and protecting the God-given liberties bestowed on all mankind.

"You are heroes because only extraordinary men and women would sacrifice time with their own friends and family to fight for the security of a nation and the freedom of a world.

"There is no soldier here today whose service does not come without great sacrifice.

"Staff Sergeant Dustin Bourques, originally of Breaux Bridge is expecting his first child in March. His wife, Amanda, will deliver Baby Allie Elizabeth while Dustin is leaving his training for Iraq.

"When we asked Dustin if he was worried about his little girl being born while he is all the way across the world, he said confidently that he does not worry. He puts "everything in God's hands.' A wise man.

"I had the privilege of meeting Dustin at the Christmas party we had a few weeks ago in Baton Rouge, where we invited several soldiers who were deploying for Iraq. Like all of you, he is an incredible soldier.

"In fact, Dustin comes from generations of servicemen -- dating back all the way to WWI. Dustin will tell you plainly that he is "a proud patriot' who always wanted to serve his country.

"To Dustin and every single member of the 256th Brigade: thank you for being such fine patriots.

"Thank you for dedicating your lives to the service of our country and the freedoms that make America the greatest nation in the world.

"Dustin, his wife, Amanda, and his family are here with us today. Please join me in honoring their sacrifices -- and the sacrifices of all the wives, children and families left behind when this brigade again deploys.

For Sergeant First Class Natasha McZeal, this will be her second deployment with the 256th Brigade.

"Natasha is an avid volunteer in the Lafayette community, and a choir director and a pastor's aide at her church. She has also worked for six years with the Lafayette Alternative Program for Students -- or LAPS program - to help troubled teens.

"Natasha is a single mother of two children -- ages 15 and nine - who will stay with their grandmother while Natasha is serving in Iraq.

"As the father of three young children myself, I know that leaving behind your kids must be the deepest and most personal sacrifice of all -- greater than any of your own time or energy invested in your service.

"When we asked Natasha why she signed up to serve in the Guard more than 10 years ago, she said, "I love serving! I love being a soldier!'

"Natasha and her sons, Brandon and Cleveland, are here with us today along with her family. Please join me in honoring them…for their service…and their sacrifice.

"And to all the families here today and all the families of the 3,000 men and women in the 256th Brigade: we know your loved one is already your hero, but we are eternally grateful that you are sharing your heroes with our country. Thank you.

"Many people question whether their lives will make a difference over the course of time. Whether their contribution will be remembered after they are gone…or if their name or their legacy will live on…

"The brave men and women of 256th Brigade do not struggle with this question.

"Today -- the history-writers pick up their pens and begin to etch your names on the chronicles of time.

"Today -- you become an eternal member of the ancient battle to protect and defend freedom from those who hate it.

"Today -- you are not just a hero to your families, but to the United States of America, and the world.

"Today, you join the ranks of Captain DeBlanc who forever changed history when he simply departed Louisiana so many decades before you to nobly serve his country at a time of war.

"Former President and General Dwight Eisenhower famously said, "History does not long entrust the care of freedom to the weak or the timid.'

"And in keeping with that truth, today -- we send off the bravest and strongest men and women we have in the service of our freedom.

"May God protect you and safely lead you home to all of us again.

"And may God continue to bless the United States of America and the great State of Louisiana!"

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