Military Police hit the snowy trail                                                                                                    Story by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry, Indiana National Guard Public Affairs

DANVILLE, Ind. – Outside the Danville Fairgrounds Conference Center the weather was cold and snowy. Inside, Indiana National Guard Soldiers received warm well-wishes during their departure ceremony Friday, February 22.

The 38th Military Police Company Soldiers traveled to Fort Dix, New Jersey, Sunday to train for their upcoming deployment to southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Indiana State Senator Connie Lawson, majority floor leader, stands with Audrey Wanner and her father Staff Sgt. William Wanner, after the 38th Military Police Company Departure Ceremony held at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds in Danville, Ind., February 22. The company's primary mission will be working with police transition teams to enhance the effectiveness of the Iraqi Security Forces. Photo by Spc. William E. Henry, Indiana National Guard.

Indiana State Senator Connie Lawson talked of words painting pictures as she addressed the troops. “Fewer words will be necessary when you return to outstretched arms, welcoming you back home in Indiana,” she said.

Other honorees who addressed the mobilizing Soldiers included Maj. Gen. Richard B. Moorhead and Command Sgt. Maj. Michael L. Lucas, the commanding general and top enlisted Soldier with the 38th Infantry Division; and Danville's town manager and police chief, Gary Eakin and Keith Gill respectively.

"Today, without the National Guard, the Army cannot carry out its mission," said Moorhead as he addressed the Soldiers and their well-wishers. "You are to be commended for dedication to the nation and the Army.

Moorhead also praised the Soldiers for helping Iraq and the United States maintain their liberties. "These freedoms can only be guaranteed by Soldiers like you," he said.

The 170-person company is scheduled to train Iraqi police officers during their year-long mobilization and deployment.

Braxton Scott writes a message on a support banner for his father, Spc. Dustin Scott, leaving with the 38th Military Police Company at Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds, February 22. The company will be headed to Fort Dix, N.J. for further training before heading to the Middle East to work with police transition teams to augment Iraqi Security Forces. Photo by: Spc. William E. Henry, Indiana Army National Guard

The company commander, 1st Lt. William McGray, commended the National Guard Soldiers and their families.

"In a time of crisis America has always been able to depend on the National Guard, back to the Revolution," he said. "Know that your families support and stand behind you, and by supporting you, they are standing up for America too," he said.

While the 38th starts its journey, the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat team is about two months into its own. The Soldiers of the 76th IBCT are scheduled  to leave Fort Stewart, Georgia, for southwest Asia this weekend. That single deployment marks the largest for Indiana National Guard troops since World War II.

Thumbnail caption: Spc. Daniel Birge salutes as the colors are posted during the 38th Military Police Company departure ceremony held at the Hendricks County 4-H Fairgrounds in Danville, Ind., February 22. The company will be working with police transition teams to train Iraqi Security Forces. Photo by: Spc. William E. Henry, Indiana Army National Guard