In Iraq, thoughts of Louisiana

[Amelia]

In Iraq, thoughts of Louisiana

Sept. 6, 2005

Richard Engel

NBC News

BAGHDAD — Two commanders today from the Louisiana National Guard in Iraq (256th Brigade) told a TV camera that 400 of the 3,000 National Guard soldiers in Iraq have lost homes or had families displaced by Katrina.

Most of the soldiers have been in contact with their families (many by e-mail), but about one or two percent of them still have NOT been able to contact families members.

Louisiana National Guard Brig. Gen. John Basilica said "some of these soldiers have nothing to go back to, all they have is the uniforms on their backs and what they have with them, and their families are the same way."

He also said that "none of the irony" has been lost on the troops that they "have just gone through one fight, and are going home to another fight."

The general said the soldiers will be leaving Iraq in the "next couple of days" and that those most affected by Katrina would be going first; but he added that many of the soldiers do not know what they will do once they are at home.

The general said he and the chaplain hosted a two-hour "town meeting" a "few days ago" to talk with soldiers about their options because many no longer have jobs to go back to. He said they can choose to remain on active duty and assist in the recovery operation in Louisiana, adding that by staying on active duty "at least they will continue to have health insurance and a paycheck."