301st Military Police Company Receives Farewell

March 2, 2017 – Soldiers, family, and friends gathered to bid farewell to approximately 125 U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers from 301ST Military Police Company (MP Co.) on March 2, at the Fort Buchanan Community Club, less than one week after their Yellow Ribbon event.

Last weekend, February 24-26, Soldiers and families spent the weekend at La Gran Melia Resort at Rio Grande, Puerto Rico for a Yellow Ribbon event. Although not the most convenient time, considering the unit began their mobilization on Feb 27, it was an event that was necessary and proved to be beneficial to Soldiers, especially those deploying for the first time.

“This is my first experience at a Yellow Ribbon event,” said Spc. Carlos Aviles. “I believe that all the resources presented to us today are indeed ones that will help both my wife and I. There are some services and benefits that I had no knowledge about until today.”

Private 1st Class Edgardo Alberro also found the Yellow Ribbon event to provide much-needed information. “There is a lot of new information shared here, and I know that these resources, like the Red Cross, will help both my parents and myself especially during an emergency situation.”

“Through these briefings, we have learned how we can communicate with him in the case of an emergency,” said Mrs. Angela Serrano-Daymond, mother of Alberro. “I believe this also helps us mentally prepare for the separation we are about to endure. We know everything will be okay, and he will be all right, but it is reassuring to know how we can get a hold of him if something were to happen.”

For Brig. Gen. Alberto C. Rosende, this Yellow Ribbon was an excellent opportunity for Soldiers and their families despite the timing.

“Most of these Soldiers are young and have never deployed,” said Rosende. “They have no understanding of what they are coming into during a deployment. They need to have a network of support and places to be able to seek refuge when they are facing issues.”

“During Yellow Ribbon, different organizations present support mechanisms available to Soldiers and their families during deployments” continued Rosende. “We don’t know the void that is left behind when we deploy, and this venue is a great opportunity to open their eyes to all of the issues that should be considered and discussed with their families before leaving.”

After many months of training and preparation, the 301st is ready to take on their mission of providing external security at Guantanamo Bay.

"I feel very confident that we will be very successful during this mission," said Capt. Clifford Toussaint, commander of the 301st MP Co. "We had a lot of good training, and the amount of experience we have among the NCOs and leadership has helped prepare our younger Soldiers. My NOCs have trained these young Soldiers and prepared them for what they may encounter during this deployment.”

For many Soldiers, this is their first deployment but feel confident about the execution of their mission.

“I feel ready for our mission,” said Private 1st Class Canel Enrique Molina-Burgos. “Our NCOs have been great, and I couldn’t have asked to deploy with a better unit.”

Staff Sgt. Ivelisse Vaughn also has high expectations during this mission. “I have had direct contact with the personnel I am replacing and feel prepared,” said Vaughn. “Overall I feel this deployment is going to be a great experience, especially for our lower enlisted who will get exposed to their jobs as Active Duty Soldiers.”

Vaughn leaves behind her husband Frank Vaughn, 12-year old daughter, Selene, and two-year-old son, Seth. “The hardest part of deploying is knowing that I will miss special moments with my 2-year old, miss my daughters 13th birthday, and be unable to help my husband with our upcoming PCS move.”

Vaughn’s husband is also in the military and has his share of deployments. “I am used to saying goodbye to my loved one and getting on a plane to do stuff for my Country,” said Frank. “I said good-bye this week, but this time it wasn’t me leaving.”

“Ivy is the glue that binds our family together,” he continued. “She has a calling in the military that is taking her away for a time. We are sad to say goodbye, but we are so proud of everything she is doing in service to our Country.”

The ceremony ended with the families and Soldiers sharing hugs and kisses before the Soldiers loaded up into the charter buses and headed to the airport. These Soldiers will be mobilized for approximately nine months.

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301st Military Police Company Receives Farewell

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