Oakland County Sheriff's Office Post 9/11 Military Service Veterans

Deputy Chris Cadotte

I have been in the military for 20 years. I currently am a member of the 1775th Military Police Company out of Pontiac.  This has been my home unit for 18 years.  Prior to that I was on active duty in the Army.  I have been on 3 long deployments and a few short ones with different units within my battalion.  Since 9/11, I have been deployed three times with both the 144 and 46th Military Police Companies.

From March 2002 - March 2003 I was deployed with the 144 MP Co in response to 9/11.  I was stationed at the Pentagon for the year as an E-5 Team Leader.

In September 2005, I was sent to Louisiana for Hurricane Katrina with the 46th MP Co for 35 days.

In 2006, I was again deployed with the 46th MP Co, to Baghdad, Iraq for 15 months (11 in Iraq). We lived on FOB (Forward Operating Base) Rustamiyah in Eastern Baghdad. I was the Squad Leader for the Operations Squad and was responsible for escorting the Company Commander when off the FOB.  My squad suffered 3 wounded and we lost 3 out of 5 vehicles due to roadside bombs. Two of the three returned to duty while we were there and the other one was med-evacuated back to the states where he made a full recovery. January 17, was the hardest day for me because I watched 3 of my soldiers get hit by a very large IED. I was 15 yards behind them when it blew up and all I could think of was what I am going to tell their mothers. We were very lucky that day in that of the 3 only 2 were wounded. It was a very long tour. It was hard on both me and my family but I had great support from family, friends and the Sheriff's Office. I wish that every Soldier, Marine, Airman and Seaman had that same support because not only are they fighting for your freedom but that of the Iraqi people. I can say that the 46th MP Co went to Iraq and completed its mission.

I would like everyone to remember those that have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country especially SFC Jim Priestap, SPC Brandon Stout and SGT Thomas Wright.