HAMMOND, La. - "Okay, Louisianans and Mardi Gras enthusiasts everywhere, time to spread the love!" exclaimed Greta M. Perry, Louisiana state coordinator for Soldiers' Angels. "We have Louisiana Guardsmen who have been in Iraq for a while and could use some Mardi Gras cheer."
For the second year in a row, volunteers from Soldiers' Angels in Louisiana, in conjunction with the Louisiana Family Readiness Group, sent the carnival spirit to deployed Louisiana National Guard Soldiers.
This year, 1st Battalion, 244th Aviation Regiment of Hammond, La., was chosen as the recipient of Operation Overseas Mardi Gras 2009. The unit is currently deployed to Balad, Iraq.
Capt. Mark S. Parent, who deployed in 2005 with E Company, 111th Aviation Regiment of Alexandria, La., said his unit did not have the opportunity to receive donated Mardi Gras decorations while deployed, but he took it upon himself to carry on the Louisiana tradition by celebrating the Mardi Gras holiday while in Iraq.
"I can't explain how much of a morale boost it was for the troops as we drove around Iraq during Mardi Gras in a Humvee decorated with beads and feathers," said Parent, who is now 1/244th rear detachment commander. "We tossed Zapp's potato chips to the crowd as we listened to a boom box playing Mardi Gras music."
"That was the high point of our deployment, with the exception of when it was time to come home," the Baton Rouge, La., resident added.
Parent stressed what a joy it will be for the Soldiers who are currently deployed with the 1/244th to receive support from friends and family through Mardi Gras care packages.
"I hope that the unit can encourage everyone around them to have fun and spread a little Mardi Gras cheer to those who are unfamiliar with the holiday Louisianans have grown to love," added Parent.
Last year, in an initial effort to send Mardi Gras merriment to deployed Troops, Soldiers' Angels sent decorations and party supplies to companies of the 769th Engineer Battalion from Baton Rouge, La., which was then on a 12-month deployment to Iraq.
"Our goal this year is to have each Soldier deployed with the 1/244th receive a package. If enough items are gathered, an additional Guard unit will be added. We are encouraging people throughout the state to get involved," Perry explained.
Supporters around the country are encouraged to assemble boxes of Mardi Gras cheer. U.S. Postal Service flat-rate boxes and APO form 29767-A are recommended. Suggested items include Louisiana food, costumes and masks, decorations and music, along with beads and cups, which are traditionally tossed from floats. Perry explained that anything that gives Louisiana Guardsmen a taste of home will be a welcomed treat for the troops.