On Wednesday's 12th anniversary of 9-11, the Missouri National Guard released an updated report on deployments and mobilizations since the terrorist attacks.
The 113-page history by Maj. Alan Brown updates his 2011 compilation.
"Since Sept. 11, 2001, the Missouri National Guard has been heavily involved in operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Libya, and other areas around the world," Brown said. "This report details how our missions evolved, from guarding airports and other sites immediately after the attacks through today's deployments to Afghanistan."
The specific accounts are both harrowing and uplifting. Excerpts include:
• Operation Enduring Freedom, Agribusiness Development Team I (935th Combat Support Battalion): "The 935th Agri-Business Development Team (ADT) had the distinct honor of being the first Agri-Business Development Team ever created and deployed by the United States Military. (The team) received a Meritorious Unit Citation for their distinguished and unique service."
• Operation Enduring Freedom, 203rd Engineer Battalion: "The 203rd distinguished itself ... in the execution of the extremely hazardous mission of clearing IED's from priority routes, in order to ensure the safe passage of U.S., Coalition and civilian traffic. ... The ultimate sacrifice was made by Sgt. Robert Wayne Crow, 42 of Kansas City, Mo., who died July 10, 2010 in Paktika, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when insurgents attacked his vehicle with an improvised explosive device."
• Operation Iraqi Freedom, 1140th Engineer Battalion: "The 1140th soldiers cleared 13 improvised explosive devices and 24 pieces of unexploded ordinance from the main service road with no loss of life or governmen...t property. ... The 1140th also coordinated with the Wisconsin Army National Guard and the Denton Program for delivery of 30,000 pounds of school supplies in the Dhi Qar Province."
With regard to his updated report, Brown said: "As a historian, I'm honored and privileged to capture that history for future generations."
The history of Missouri National Guard mobilizations and deployments chronicles examples of service, honor, rebuilding and sacrifice.
These are accounts that deserve to be preserved and remembered.