re: What's the truth on Katrina/Blackwater, etc.

All the equipment that we had after the 82nd pulled out was either helo battalions or a small smattering of other units for a couple of weeks.

Illinois and Kentucky were the main players as the NG headquarters was established at De LaSalle HS under the Division Artillery Command from the KYARNG. Primary equipment (HMMWVs) came from these two states. The DIVARTY commander was the lead for all NG operations on the ground.

Once we got on the ground after traveling from Alexandria, we signed for the equipment from them. We were based out of the Hilton, the TF HQ at least with companies spread from the NASA site to the Art College and Nunery. I was based out of NO East from Crowder-Hayne, west to the canal and commanding a 120-man rifle company, with members primarily from Spokane and Pullman, WA.

We were there for a month and a half until the LAARNG was pulled early from Iraq and sent back.