The Alexander City Outlook

Local 214th gets ready for deployment

Even though tears would come later, for now it was a time for smiles and laughs as family and friends gathered at the National Guard Armory for a deployment ceremony for the soldiers of the 214th Military Police Unit on Saturday.

“We’re going to go over there and do what we have to do,” said PFC Sam Allen from Fayetteville. “Even though I’m still a little curious about where we’re going and how long we’re going to be there, I’m proud to serve my country.”

And even though the soldiers are going to perform their duty and serve their country, they hate leaving family members behind.

“We’ll do what ever is necessary for us to serve our country,” said Avery Morris, police chief for Alexander City, who is attached to the unit. “Leaving behind family members is the hardest thing, but it’s just as hard for the families back here.”

For one loved one, the reality of the situation hasn’t hit yet.

“I don’t know if it’s really hit me yet,” said Lana Holland, girlfriend of soldier Jamie Reed. “I know I’m really, really going to miss him, but he is good at what he does and he’s going to be fine.”

That sentiment of being good at what they do was echoed throughout the ceremony in the numerous speeches given by military leaders.

“In my 18 years of being a military policeman, I have never seen a finer unit than the 214th MP unit,” said Lt. Col. Charles H. Gale, Jr., leader of the 231st Military Police Battalion. “Rest assured these troops know how to do there job and they do it well.”

All the speakers also promised to stand behind the families and loved ones left behind.

“(Gov. Riley) told me to take care of the families,” said Major Gen. Mark Bowen, adjutant general of the Alabama National Guard. “That’s my job and that’s what I’m going to do.”

Bowen also told the community, family members and the soldiers to be positive and continue the support shown at the ceremony through letters, phone calls and reminders from home.

The soldiers of the 214th will leave in two groups officially deploy on March 17 and 18.