Monticello-based Soldiers to deploy to Guantanamo Bay

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2017

MONTICELLO, Minn. -More than 120 Soldiers from the Monticello-based 257th Military Police Company will be deploying to U.S. Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in support of Joint Task Force Guantanamo.

“Our unit is trained and ready to professionally carry out this very important mission,” said Capt. Jon Schliesing, commander of the 257th Military Police Company.

The unit will provide safe, humane, legal and transparent care and custody of detainees at the Joint Task Force Guantanamo detention facilities. Prior to deployment, the Soldiers will receive specialized training and certifications based on the strictly-enforced standard operating procedures within the facilities and will receive additional on-the-job training once they arrive.

The 257th Military Police Company deployed to Iraq from 2004-2005 (as D Battery, 216th Air Defense Artillery) and to Afghanistan from 2012-2013 where they were responsible for coaching, teaching and mentoring members of the Afghan National Army.

This will be the first time a Minnesota National Guard unit has deployed to Guantanamo Bay.

Media members and the public are invited to attend the deployment ceremony Saturday, January 28, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at the Monticello High School Auditorium, 5225 School Blvd., Monticello, MN 66362.

For more information on the Minnesota National Guard, visit www.MinnesotaNationalGuard.org.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Minnesota National Guard Public Affairs at mn.ng.web@mail.mil or call 651-282-4410.