Kilgore's National Guard recognized

The sacrifices of Kilgore's B Company National Guard Armory are recognized and appreciated.

Joe T. Parker, Kilgore mayor, was elated this week after he received a letter from Mark J. Barbosa, colonel US Army and 7th Sustainment Brigade commander, singing the praises of B Company 3-144 Infantry Regiment of the Texas National Guard.

Barbosa wrote to Parker to personally thank him for the service of Kilgore's regiment.

"I am proud to report that their sustained performance during combat operations was absolutely outstanding," Barbosa wrote. "The soldiers of B Company 3-144 Infantry, under the leadership of Captain Patrick Fugere and First Sergeant Rudy Zepeda, completed every mission as true professionals."

According to Denver Smith, Sergeant and rear detachment officer, the unit of 130 soldiers was mobilized in May of 2006 and is slated for return to the United States later this month and to Kilgore no later than May 15.

Smith said, although Bravo company is an infantry unit, so far they have not been called to any infantry tasks, but instead providing convoy security all over Iraq and Kuwait as well as FORB Operating Base tower and gate security.

Upon the unit's return, a family style reception is planned with the assistance of Kilgore Chamber of Commerce.