La. support group forms to help military in Iraq

Louisiana National Guard Sgt. Gregory Boyd said the American lives lost in Iraq form the pillars of the mission.

Boyd, a member of the 1088th Engineer Battalion, 256th Brigade Combat Team, spoke to a group of veterans and Blue Star and Gold Star families Thursday at the Baton Rouge Marriott.

Boyd and about 50 others gathered for the launch of a Louisiana coalition of Families United for Our Troops and Their Mission, a national nonprofit organization.

Blue Star families have a member in a combat zone. Gold Star families have lost a member in combat.

Louisiana is the fourth state to join the coalition, according to Iowa state Sen. Chuck Larson, a Republican.

"We're a volunteer organization with no agenda other than to provide support and encouragement," said Larson, a major in the U.S. Army Reserve who spent 18 months in Iraq.

Larson said Families United will serve as a network for members and also publicize the accomplishments of soldiers in Iraq.
"We believe our troops want to finish their mission in Iraq," he said.

Boyd said much of the good work done by U.S. troops is being overlooked. He cited infrastructure and work with children as two areas where U.S. troops have made a difference.

"It's our goal to ensure that the sacrifices made are neither forgotten nor trivialized," he said.

Jim Barnett's brother, Louisiana National Guard Lt. Christopher Barnett, was killed in Iraq in 2004.

"When we asked Chris what he wanted us to send him for Christmas, he asked for things for the Iraqi children he'd met. He was touched by them," Barnett said.

The president of Louisiana Blue Star Mothers, Janet Broussard, said she is proud Louisiana is one of the first states to join Families United.

"There should be more people willing to fight for their country," Broussard said.