Area deploys in War on Terror

The Poplar Bluff Museum tell many unknown tales of our community. I want to tell you some of those hidden tales found within the museum walls.

Poplar Bluff has fought in every conflict since the Civil War. The Missouri National Guard from the Poplar Bluff Armory has been active in the nation’s defense since World War I. The War on Terror in the 21st century is no different. Even today, Poplar Bluff continues to send their hometown unit to war.

In 2004, Delta Company, 735th Main Support Battalion of the Missouri National Guard’s 35th Infantry Division was operating out of the Poplar Bluff Armory. Delta was an electronic repair unit. They fixed everything from radios to computers, vehicles, refrigerators and even missile guidance systems. When Operation Iraqi Freedom was launched, Poplar Bluff was called on. Delta was deployed to Tikrit, Iraq during the invasion. Captain Doug Dunlap led our soldiers overseas. Along with their multi-faceted electronic repair mission, Delta was tasked with the extremely hazardous task of armed convoy escorts. The unit returned with all their arms and legs intact and was deactivated in 2005.

The Missouri National Guard activated the 205th Military Police Battalion in 2005. Their Headquarters Company was stationed at the Poplar Bluff Armory. When Operation Enduring Freedom was launched in 2010, Poplar Bluff was called on again to defend the country. Captain Lance Dill led our Military Police unit overseas. They were deployed to Kabul and Jalalabad, Afghanistan. The 205th was in direct support of the 101st Airborne Division. Their primary mission was to train the Afghan police and border patrols. The 205th returned to Poplar Bluff a year later after another successful combat deployment.

Since then, the Poplar Bluff unit has made several other support deployments to the Middle East, continuing to answer our nation’s call. “Here we are, send us” is always our response.

The Poplar Bluff War on Terror is on exhibit in the Poplar Bluff Museum. Our National Guard story, photos and artifacts are proudly displayed in the Museum’s Kanell Hall. The Museum is handicap accessible and open free of charge 1-4 p.m. Sunday at 1010 Main St. Tell them Mike sent you.

Mike Shane is a veteran, Poplar Bluff resident and board member for the Poplar Bluff Museum.