Guard MPs in Kearney preparing for year-long deployment to the Middle East

  

In just a few weeks, 65 men of the Nebraska Army National Guard from Kearney will sail out to Texas and then to an undisclosed location in the Middle East to assist US military personnel in the region with security and other needs.

Luis Avila of Kearney, whose brother, Adrian, is a member of the 1057th Military Police Company, said, "We're spending as much time with my brother as we can." Avila, who works as a civilian at Kearney's Youth Rehabilitation and Treatment Center, will soon join other members of the 1057th MP Company on a mission to relieve a different contingent of the 1057th from Scottsbluff.

In October 2021, the first group left Nebraska. The second set of 1057th MPs will undergo extra training in Texas before departing for the Middle East in a few weeks after leaving Kearney.

During a formal sendoff for the 1057th in the Fine Arts Building at the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Major Gen. Daryl Bohac said, "You are ready and prepared for the assignment." The gathering drew over 200 family members, friends, and Nebraska dignitaries. There were many tears shed and many hugs given.

Guard members and their families say they've been preparing for their citizen soldiers' year-long absence. As her 10-year-old daughter, Kinleigh, climbed into her lap, Staff Sgt. Megan Yada of Chadron said, "There has been a lot of family time and camping."

Yada is entrusting her two girls, Kinleigh, three, and Leighton, three, to her husband, Wade.

"I'm really looking forward to putting my training to use," Yada remarked.

The 1057th, which used to be a logistical unit specializing in truck transportation but converted to military police a few years ago, has had a very busy couple of years.

Lincoln Police Department Sgt. Brady Barton is a member of the force. During the previous week, he exchanged long-distance goodbyes. Barton lives with his mother in Sterling, Colorado, his father in Laramie, Wyoming, and his finance in Lincoln.

Barton said his mother sent him back to Nebraska with a large batch of Doritos casserole, a favourite of Barton and his buddies, after his visit to Colorado earlier this week. He said he gets nerves and a sense of accomplishment when he realises he'll be serving his country on the other side of the world in a few months.

"There are nerves," says the narrator. "It'll be different being gone for a year and doing what we'll be doing," Barton remarked.

The 1057th helped secure the presidential inauguration in January 2021, provided support during a COVID march and civil unrest in 2020, responded to flooding in Nebraska in 2019, aided security and recovery after hurricanes Gustav in 2008 and Katrina in 2005, and was present at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah.

In 2000, 2002, 2006, 2007, and 2017, the 1057th assisted in putting out major Nebraska wildfires. Gov. Pete Ricketts and state Sen. John Lowe of Kearney were among the speakers on Sunday.

"We are appreciative as Americans for the sacrifices made throughout the years, and we are grateful to the men and women of the 1057th," Ricketts added.

When people like the soldiers of the 1057th show such dedication to their country and state, Lowe says he is impressed. "I'm astounded by the number of men and women eager to serve their country. It's a privilege to be here," Lowe added.