By Sgt. 1st Class Scott D. Longstreet, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office

PINEVILLE – The Louisiana National Guard’s 1084th Transportation Company, 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 139th Regional Support Group, held a post-deployment awards ceremony at the Marriott Hotel and Convention Center in Baton Rouge, Aug. 16, 2026.

During the ceremony, approximately 130 citizen-Soldiers were awarded the Louisiana National Guard War Cross Medal. The medal recognizes service members who enter active duty and serve honorably for at least 90 days during a national emergency, a presidential call-up to protect national security interests, or a period beginning with the declaration of war or onset of hostilities.

The 1084th deployed to Poland in support of Operation European Assure, Deter and Reinforce, a mission focused on strengthening collective defense, improving interoperability and reinforcing readiness among U.S. and NATO allies across Europe.

The official party included Brig. Gen. Jason Mahfouz, assistant adjutant general of the Louisiana National Guard; Capt. Zachary Trahan, commander of the 1084th; Command Sgt. Maj. Sud Robertson, senior enlisted leader of the Louisiana National Guard - Army; and 1st Sgt. Lorenzo Lawson, first sergeant of the 1084th.

Speaking to the Soldiers, families and friends attending the ceremony, Mahfouz praised the unit for its performance during the deployment.

“The Swampdogs not only completed their mission, they set the standard,” said Mahfouz. “They very much fit their motto, ‘All Gas No Brakes.’ Job well done. Welcome home.”

During the deployment, the 1084th traveled more than 42,000 miles across Eastern Europe while completing 58 combat logistics support missions. The unit moved more than 200 containers and 750 pallet positions, delivering critical sustainment that supported a seamless training environment for U.S. and allied forces.

The unit also maintained recovery and maintenance operations for adjacent units while maintaining an operational readiness rate of more than 86% throughout the deployment. “You represented your communities, your families and the state of Louisiana with absolute distinction,” said Mahfouz. “You kept the supply lines moving, maintained the high ground and brought everyone home safely.”

Headquartered in Reserve, Louisiana, the 1084th previously deployed to Afghanistan in 2013 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The unit has also supported numerous state emergency responses, including multiple major hurricanes, and assisted neighboring states during emergency operations.