Blanco wants LA troops home from Iraq to help out

[AnnInLa]

Blanco: We need help from 256th
From one war zone to another

Jan Risher
[e-mail]
# Complete Local Coverage

On the day federal troops made their way into New Orleans, the governor asked President Bush to speed the return of the Lafayette-based 256th Brigade Combat Team to aid in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Although no firm dates have been set, Lt. Col. Pete Schneider said after the governor's request, the plans are to use the 256th in hurricane relief efforts. The 256th was scheduled to return from Iraq in waves this month.

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"I request the expeditious return of the Headquarters of the 256th Brigade Combat Team as they have completed their mission in the Iraqi theatre of operations and they are urgently needed here at home," the governor wrote in the letter released to the news media.

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"I think it's atrocious for the governor to mobilize soldiers who have spent a year in the combat theater already and are no doubt battle weary and ready to return to their home and families," said Judith Devalcourt, whose son C.J. Devalcourt serves in the 256th.


http://www.acadiananow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20050903/NEWS05/509030309