Hannibal resident deploys to Qatar

Pfc. Laith Tarvin, 2175th Military Police Company, is deploying for the first time to Qatar. Tarvin spent Labor Day weekend at home with his mom and brothers Luke, Ian, Teresa, and Austin. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Sarah E. Lupescu).

By Spc. Sarah E. Lupescu
ngmo.pao@us.army.mil

HANNIBAL, Mo. - A Hannibal resident joined more than 140 Missouri National Guardsmen from the 2175th Military Police Company recently at a departure ceremony at Clemens Field.

Pfc. Laith Tarvin, of Hannibal, will deploy to Qatar following the team's pre-mobilization training at Camp Shelby, Miss. The mission will generally consist of security force operations.

"I will miss my family," said Tarvin.

Tarvin lives at home with his mom, twin brother, and two younger brothers.

Although he is leaving his family behind in Missouri, Tarvin has gotten to know his unit during training this summer.

"Everybody's awesome," Tarvin said. "It's like we're a big family."

Tarvin said he joined the National Guard for education benefits and to help provide a future and is excited about the upcoming deployment.

"I'm going to get to see parts of the world," said Tarvin. "I plan on going to Thailand when I take leave."

As part of the Missouri National Guard's longest standing traditions, Tarvin received the Missouri State Flag at the departure ceremony. The United States Flag is presented to the oldest member of a deploying unit and the Missouri State Flag is presented to the unit's youngest deploying member. Tarvin is 18 years old.

Tarvin's mother, Teresa, said she is proud of her son's decision to serve in the military.

"I am a little nervous about the deployment but I feel like God will keep him safe and bring him back to us," Teresa said. "I have a peace about it."

As far as keeping in contact with her son while he's overseas, Teresa has a plan.

"I'm planning on getting a laptop to keep in my bedroom," said Teresa.

"I know the time difference is a challenge, so if he gets on-line and wants to contact home I'll have my computer right there," Teresa added. "It's easier for me to do it at anytime than it is for him to do it anytime."

Tarvin graduated from Monroe City R-1 High School in December 2010. He has been a member of the Missouri National Guard since March 2, 2010 and finished his advanced individual training at Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. in April 2011.

Qatar is located in the Arabian Gulf and serves as a central hub for all U.S. military activity in the region. The unit will be providing security for military bases and personnel in Qatar, which is both a staging area for equipment and a rest and relaxation area for military personnel.

Other military police companies deploying to Qatar include the 3175th Chemical Company, based in St. Louis County; the 2175th Military Police Company, of Hannibal and Moberly; the 1137th Military Police Company, of Kennett, Jackson and Doniphan; and Headquarters Company of the 175th Military Police Battalion, based in Columbia.

Each of the units falls under 70th Troop Command control, the largest brigade in the Missouri National Guard.