My Experience in New Orleans, Louisiana

I would like to share some of my experience while serving in New Orleans, Louisiana. This deployment was my first major deployment in which just about every Army National Guard and Air Guard in the union was involved. This joint task force also includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, and Reserve Forces. The U.S. Coast Guard was deeply involved in the relief efforts as well.

I was impressed to see the Army 82nd Airborne Division and the 1st Cavalry Division playing a major role along with National Guard units. This is as if all America came to the aid of its own. I even witnessed law enforcement from all over the country convoying to the Gulf State to lend a helping hand.

I would like to thank the church and the people of Mississippi for their warm and loving hospitality as we traveled towards New Orleans. This experience is an experience I will never forget. I was told by Iraqi Freedom veterans that New Orleans looks and smells like Baghdad, Iraq.

I had never experienced war upfront or combat, but I was always in training for war and supported the war efforts. I see this relief effort as preparation for what is to come in my life. I was told this is just the beginning. The Guard, Reserve, and Active components will play a more active role in our homeland relief efforts.

I am forever changed. I thought Hurricane Frances and Ivan were something. Hurricane Katrina affected everyone nationwide. I’m glad to have played a major part in the relief effort and to be a blessing not just to the people of New Orleans and Louisiana but also to the people of Alabama and Mississippi.