Jefferson Barracks Unit Deploys to Qatar

In May, Kathy Kuester’s husband Ron, left for Afghanistan to serve for a year.

Sunday, her 22-year-old son left as well to serve a year in Qatar with the 3175th Chemical Company, headquartered at Jefferson Barracks.

“I got both guys in uniform, both leaving me,” she said. “I’m excited, but nervous for them.”

This is her son Ronnie’s first deployment, aside from a month spent in Germany.

Fortunately, his father was on leave Friday and got to see his son’s deployment ceremony at the Joint Armed Forces Reserve Center at Jefferson Barracks.

"Leaving family is hard; he’s got a girlfriend now,” Ron said.

Ronnie Kuester and approximately 130 other soldiers in the unit are part of a larger group of National Guard soldiers going to Qatar under the command of the 175th Military Police Battalion.

Qatar, across the Persian Gulf from Iran, serves as a hub for U.S. military activity. 

The troop specializes in chemical decontamination, but will play a security role while abroad, said the unit’s commanding officer, 1st Lt. Gregory Stueve.

Soldiers have spent the last month preparing for deployment with physical fitness and soldier-readiness tests, Stueve said. It is the first time the unit has ever been deployed overseas.

At the ceremony, the soldiers heard words of encouragement from local officials and their commanding officers.

“I couldn’t serve and do what I do in the First District if it wasn’t for your courage in protecting the freedom and liberty… in the constitution,” said Sen. Jim Lembke. “You’re in our thoughts and prayers.”

The young women’s ensemble performed the national anthem to a crowd of more than 300 families and friends who attended the ceremony.