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Band Photo
LSU alumni from Alpha Company stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan


LSU alumni and students of the 769th Engineer Battalion in Bagram, Afghanistan


First Sergeant Brian Fletcher of Charlie Company takes a break with actor/comedian Robin Williams, who visited the troops in October 2002.


LSU alumnus Captain Sheldon Perkins from the 769th pictured with General Tommy Franks, Commander in Chief, United States Central Command.

Louisiana’s Own 769th Engineer Battalion Serves in Afghanistan

Quick Fact

Before 1870, the University was originally called the Louisiana State Seminary of Learning and Military Academy and was located near Pineville, Louisiana, until a fire destroyed the campus and the University was moved to Baton Rouge.

LSU is proud of its longstanding tradition of military honor and service. Thousands of LSU alumni, faculty, staff, and students have served in American wars and conflicts dating back to the Civil War. Today, members of the LSU family continue this heritage by serving in Operation Enduring Freedom.

The Louisiana Army National Guard’s 769th Engineer Battalion, headquartered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, was activated and deployed to Afghanistan over the summer and fall of 2002. It is the largest Army National Guard mobilization effort nation-wide since the attacks of September 11. Among the 500 soldiers deployed from the 769th are LSU students, alumni, and supporters who have put their lives on hold to serve their country.

Real Player Videos


Video message from
Alpha Company in
Bagram, Afghanistan

Video
Video message from
Charlie Company in
Kandahar, Afghanistan

Download RealPlayer

line

The 769th Engineer Battalion supplied three of its four companies to the Operation Enduring Freedom effort. Charlie Company, based out of Gonzales, Louisiana, is stationed in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Headquarters and Alpha Company, based out of Baton Rouge and Baker, Louisiana, respectively, are stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan.

As a combat-heavy battalion, the 769th conducts various combat construction missions, including but not limited to building large facilities and base camps, as well as producing new roads, highways, and bridges. The 769th has already built five large-scale administrative buildings, numerous guard towers, miles of road, and more than 100 tent pads. They are also performing dangerous land-mine clearing operations.

The University salutes the LSU men and women of the 769th Engineer Battalion as well as all the soldiers involved in Operation Enduring Freedom. The sacrifices of these soldiers and their families are greatly appreciated and the country is indebted to their efforts.

Last updated September 2002

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