Some University students are part of a Louisiana National Guard unit recently sent for training in preparation for deployment overseas.
Staff Sgt. Carlos Sanchez at Jackson Barracks in New Orleans said at least eight University students and staff members are part of National Guard Company A, 111th Area Support Medical Battalion, which departed on Valentine’s Day for Fort Sam in Houston, Texas.
Sanchez said he was unsure of the names of the University students and staff who are part of this company. He was also unsure when the unit would be deployed for overseas missions.
The unit performs only medical duties and includes a variety of medical personnel, including doctors, nurses and laboratory technicians.
“They take care of the soldiers and any casualties,” Sanchez said.
Students said the idea of their classmates being deployed for a possible war effort made the concept hit closer to home.
Anna Wheeler, a civil engineering freshman, said the idea of possible war helped her better understand what her parents went through during the Vietnam era.
“I guess it’s scary to think it’s actually happening,” Wheeler said.
Tim Paine, a biology graduate student, said he was firmly opposed to any deployment efforts.
“I feel that none of my classmates should be sent overseas,” he said.