By David N. Young
Volunteers from several local community organizations banded resources to serve a plate of hot food seasoned with a generous dish of gratitude as the 11th Military Police HHC unit prepared to deploy to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.
The event was organized by Lisa Flores, the Family Readiness Coordinator for Joint Forces Training base in Los Alamitos, where the 11th MP unit is based.
Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, gamed notoriety during the Gulf Wars as the United States sought to find a remote location to harbor some of the most notorious suspected terrorists after they were captured.
The United States retained a 45-square mile possession near Guantanamo Bay at the southernmost end of the island which it initially leased from the “new Republic of Cuba” in 1903.
Over the years, the U.S. Naval Base has served many refugees, detainees and other needs and was selected by U.S. military officials for the GITMO detention camp
The first “detainees” from Afghanistan began arriving at “GITMO” in 2002 and today, approximately 40 of the worst suspected terrorists are still housed there as officials have not agreed on a location or reason for release.
After departing May 29, the group had a two-day layover in Texas where the unit’s military readiness was checked out by military officials before flying to Cuba, where they have now successfully deployed.
Although the group is based at JFTB, Lt. Col. Steve Ostrendar said the deployment will include other specialists from “around the nation” with other skills in order to fulfill the mission.
Major Daniel Alix said the brigade will be responsible for shoring up the security around the base, accessing local infrastructure and other similar items needed to keep the detention center secure.
Both commanders said the U.S. Army Reserve Unit included some active-duty and others not normally attached to the unit because of the sensitivity of their mission. Many of those deploying had seen combat duty before while some had not. “It’s the first time leaving the states for many of them,” said Alix.
Many volunteers from community organizations from Cypress and Los Alamitos, including the Los Alamitos Chamber and the Los Al Kiwanis Club and the Bob Hope USO were on hand to serve the troops and wish them well.
“It was an honor for us to be asked to participate,” said Maureen Ahrens, Orange County Manager of the Bob Hope USO. The USO provided each deploying service member with a swag bag of personal items, including handwritten notes from the children of UCI Medical Center nurses, who prepared the gift bags.
Courtesy photo
