Alex City 214th Guard Unit Deployed to Cuba
Alabama budget cuts force the Alabama National Guard to consolidate. The guard plans to close 21 armories by 2017, including the one in Alexander City. Â But just because the armory is set to close the troops mission doesn’t end.Â
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The Alabama Army National Guard’s 214th Military Police Company is being deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. About one hundred and forty soldiers will be working security as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. Hundreds of family and friends said goodbye at a deployment ceremony. And despite having to be without their soldier for about a year, many say their sadness is mixed with pride.Â
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Deidra Thomas, sister in 214th Military Police Company said, “It makes it worth it to know that I can say that my sister is serving our country.”
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James Dempsey, son in 214th Military Police Company said, “He is going to be a part of defending our country and being the person to walk up front and be proud of it.”
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There’s no concrete time for when the armory would close or where the guardsman would be based out of. Â This is the third time the 214ths been deployed since 9/11.Â
