1141st Sapper Company leaves Missouri for pre-mobilization training

By: Johnathan Lemons
Missouri National Guard Public Affairs






KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In a little more than a month, 100 members of the 1141st Engineer Company (Sappers) of Kansas City will be settling down in their temporary home in Afghanistan.

The Sappers will deploy to eastern Afghanistan to find and neutralize roadside bombs to clear routes for convoys and other allied forces. This weekend, they said goodbye to friends, Family and the community that supports them before loading a bus for pre-mobilization training at Fort McCoy, Wis.

"On behalf of the people of Missouri, I wish you a safe and successful mission," said Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon. "What you are doing to keep collation forces safe is vital to this state, county and Afghanistan. All of Missouri takes pride in what you are doing."

The departure ceremony at the National Guard armory in Kansas City saw a crowd that packed the drill floor from corner to corner. Family members held up signs wishing the Sappers luck during their one year deployment. The official party for the ceremony included the governor, Missouri adjutant general Brig. Gen. Stephen Danner, 35th Engineer Brigade commander Brig. Gen. David Irwin, and Missouri Command Sgt. Maj. Matt Jenkins.

"I have my family here and they are very supportive of what we will be doing over there," said Spc. Rick Warren, of Independence, Mo. "This is my first deployment serving overseas. I was a little nervous at first. However, with all the training we have been doing getting ready for this deployment, I feel a lot more comfortable in my job over there."

This is also the first time the 1141st as been in Afghanistan. The unit has deployed for state emergency duty in St. Louis, Springfield and outside the state in support of relief efforts after Hurricane Gustav. The Sappers have also deployed to improve infrastructure in Central America in support of Operation Beyond the Horizons.

"I see the same guts and dedication in you I saw from combat engineers during Vietnam," said Danner. "You must relay on your training. You're going to have a tough assignment."

The company is nicknamed the "Blood Hounds" because of their mission of tracking down treats that oppose a common good, said company commander Capt. Brian Sayer, of Laquey, Mo.

"We are ready to do what it takes to be successful in Afghanistan," said Staff Sgt. Robert Jorgensen, of Platte City, Mo. "It always heartbreaking to leave your family behind, but it's a very important mission that will save many lives. I'm proud to be part of this."

The 1141st is deploying with the 203rd Engineer Battalion of Joplin, Mo. Both units will spend about six weeks training at Fort McCoy before departing for Afghanistan.