To the soldiers of the 168th and our families, I could not be prouder of you and the many sacrifices you have made over the last year! You have lived up to the "Volunteer" reputation that so many other Great Tennesseans have earned in the past. You are what is right about America the Civilian Soldier concept and what our great Nation stands for. It is humbling to reflect back on the past year and know we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves. I want to take this opportunity to say "thank you" for a job well done!

The month of September marks the Unit's 11th month on active duty and the beginning of our return of the Unit back to Dyersburg, TN. The past year has been one of many new first for many of us and the Country of Iraq. We have witnessed the dawn of a new era in Iraq with the implementation of the Iraqi security agreement, movement of Coalition Forces from the cities and the closure of the detainee facility at Camp Bucca which further takes us down the path of transitioning operations to the Government of Iraq.

This unit had varied mission set in support of detainee operations. But let me highlight some of your tremendous accomplishments:

The 168th MP BP conducted Detainee Operations in the largest Theater Interment Facility in Iraq in support of the 42nd Military Police Brigade, the 89th Military Police Brigade, Joint Task Force-134 and Multi-National Forces-Iraq.

First, we provided care and custody with the highest level of dignity and respect for over 5,000 detainees in Titan TIF. Upon the closure of Titan we received a new mission as the 89th Tactical Area Command Battalion. Where you once again excelled and became involved in aspect of detainee operations as the command and control cell for the 89th MP BDE at BUCCA. During this time you consistently monitored detainee operations and conducted the responsible drawn down of detention operations and were a large part of the closure and final disipition of the detainee operations here at CampBucca. Your level of professionalism is evident in the manner in which you have performed and has lead us end state that finds us today and that is the successful closure of Theater Internment Facility at Camp Bucca.

If you only remember one thing I am writing about, remember this---You and your actions had a positive impact on the outcome on the Global War on Terrorism and make no mistake "your actions inside the wire" helped save the lives of Coalition forces "outside the wire".

I could go on about your many accomplishments but I will not;

I can tell you that you would have been successful in any mission set you were assigned because you are grounded in the basic principles of the warrior's ethos, the seven army values, the soldiers, NCO and officer's creed. And equally as importantly is your level of commitment....It is unparallel to any unit I have ever been a part o in my 26 years in the military. Just like so many other citizen soldiers you have successfully completed your mission and should be very proud of the way you have answered your Nations call to duty. You are special in that you are the less than 1% of Americans to serve their country in the Armed Forces. You should step foot on American soil with your head held high and proud of you successful fulfillment to your obligation to serve your Country.

You all are "Returning with Honor"!

Titan 6