Another Nevada military police unit deploying for Afghanistan — PHOTOS
While families across America enjoy Thanksgiving dinner Thursday, another Nevada Army National Guard unit will be packing their duffle bags for a tour of Afghanistan.
Gov. Brian Sandoval offered words of pride and encouragement Tuesday to 35 soldiers from Nevada's 137th Military Police Detachment and their families who attended a mobilization ceremony in North Las Vegas.
"You truly are the heroes amongst us," Sandoval told the gathering at Aliante hotel-casino. "Your commitment to our communities and our country leaves me with a sense of awe and admiration, especially when world events require undaunted courage."
Sandoval called the Henderson-based unit, which returned from its last deployment four years ago, "the bedrock of our state."
"We all know our world is changing. And given the tragedies in Paris, Lebanon and Mali, we must remain forever vigilant," the governor said. "Regardless of world events and the nature of our enemy, the heart of the soldier remains the same: brave, strong steadfast."
The unit leaves Saturday for Fort Bliss, Texas, the soldiers' first stop on a yearlong deployment to undisclosed locations in Afghanistan where they will perform law-and-order details including investigations, force protection and customs checkpoint assignments, said Capt. Carlito Rayos, the detachment's overseas commander.
"We're just trying to make the most of the time we have left with our families," said Rayos, 35, who in civilian life manages the city of North Las Vegas' emergency services. "I know we're absolutely prepared. ... I'm honored to be the commander of this unit. It's a very humbling experience for me."
With six mobilizations during a 15-month cycle, men and women in Nevada's National Guard have been tapped often to serve in the war on terrorism.
Most recently, 30 MPs from Nevada's 72nd Military Police Company went to Kabul, Afghanistan, to provide security for military leaders at Resolute Support Mission headquarters, a base for 3,500 soldiers from more than 40 coalition countries across from the U.S. Embassy.
Another 200 Nevada Guard soldiers from the 17th Sustainment Brigade have orders to deploy to undisclosed locations in Southwest Asia early next year.
First Sgt. Rafael Aguilera, 34, a probation officer, will be leaving his wife, Erica, for most of 2016.
"I'm going to miss him," she said, describing her mixed emotions. "I'm worried, scared and proud of him all at once."
Spc. Jericho Magallon, 20, is looking forward to his first deployment. "I'm excited to go and serve my country, and finally get the chance."
Nevada's adjutant general, Air Force Brig. Gen. William Burks, summed up the challenge for the 137th MPs with a quote. "'Judge your success by what you've had to give up in order to get it.'"
"When I look out upon this crowd today of the families, friends and employers here, obviously these members had to give up a lot, so their success is guaranteed," Burks said.
Contact Keith Rogers at krogers@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0308. Find him on Twitter: @KeithRogers2
