CAMP TIGERLAND, Iraq, July 27, 2005 — On July 20, in a chapel in Baghdad, voices rang out together, not in a song of praise, but in commitment. More than 400 National Guard soldiers of the 256th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division raised their right hands and swore to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America.”

More significant than the number of soldiers who simultaneously extended their service to the military is that these National Guard soldiers did so in a combat zone.

U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Bennett Landreneau, adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard, had the honor of administering the oath of extension to the 256th Brigade Combat Team soldiers.

“This speaks volumes about the commitment, dedication, and morale of these soldiers, and affirms the fact that they want to be a part of this great team,” he said.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Andrews, from Sulphur, La., a civilian police officer and infantryman with B Company, 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment, extended his service for three years and said he’s anxious to see what lies ahead for his unit.

“The structure of the National Guard is changing and it’s going to be interesting to see how that affects us,” he said.

Andrews said he had no other choice than to sign his name one more time, because this is who he is.

“This is what I do. I’m a civil servant, a police officer at home as well as a soldier, and re-enlisting is just a part of me doing what I do,” he said.

Since the beginning of the deployment, 925 soldiers promised service to their states and nation, with 761 hailing from Louisiana, 120 from New York, and 43 from various other states and territories attached to the 256th Brigade Combat Team, such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Washington and Puerto Rico.

‘The numbers of soldiers who have extended is a true testament of the dedicated soldiers and leaders in the 256th (Brigade Combat Team),” said Capt. Jeff Musumeche, brigade strength manager. “Soldiers extend for a majority of reasons; however, they all have one common attribute - dedication to the Guard. Our soldiers are constantly engaged in full-spectrum operations while serving in Iraq; however, our leadership never forgets the age-old saying of ‘taking care of soldiers.’ With this

commitment, we will continue to excel in retaining combat-experienced soldiers.”

Sgt. 1st Class Terrence Delcambre, from New Iberia, La, a retention and recruiting representative for the 256th Brigade Combat Team, said the majority of soldiers extended for six years as opposed to the shorter three-year commitment. Delcambre also said while recruiting numbers remained low, the retention numbers climbed. He said this shows the fear of deployment tends to be worse than the actuality.

“The perception of the people back home comes from what they see on television-which is usually not very good news. So, they’re afraid,” he said. “However, the retention rates are up, and that’s based on reality. The soldiers out here have been on the ground and if they’re extending their service, that should tell you something about what’s really happening in Iraq.”

Soldiers had a variety of reasons for continuing their service to the 256th, Delcambre said. Many just wanted to continue to serve, and others love what they do. Some wanted to be soldiers until they retire, as well as take advantage of the educational benefits.

Delcambre said the deployment may have actually pushed people to want to remain in the National Guard.

“Just today, someone told me the deployment has changed their perception of the Guard,” he said. “They’re doing a job that counts out here, and the realignment of the National Guard as a whole will be beneficial because it will allow people to move up faster in their military career.”

He said the largest concern among the soldiers was whether or not the unit would deploy again. According to the plan set forth by the National Guard Bureau, the units should not come back to Iraq any sooner than six years from now.

In addition, Delcambre said the idea of “at a moment’s notice” is being surpassed by the need for preparation.

“They’re coming up with a plan that will inform the soldier years ahead of time so they can have time to get their situations set and ready for the deployment,” he said.

Landreneau thanked the soldiers of the 256th on behalf of Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco, and said he was proud of the statement they were making on this day.

“We look forward to having you back home and giving you the hero’s welcome you each deserve,” he said.