Duty extended for Hoosier Guard unit

An Indiana National Guard battalion based in Jasper will be stationed in the Middle East more than three months longer than scheduled.

The First Battalion of the 152nd Infantry will remain in the region as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom for an additional 110 days.

Thanks. I got to put in 3-4 weeks of full time duty last winter with my state defense force, helping to mobilize thousands of Guard and Reserve troop onto active duty at Camp Atterbury. To see their good spirits and determination was very moving. I wish more Americans could have seen what I saw -- they would have been so proud.

I decided that if it was possible for me to share part of their burden, I'd do what I could. One unit I've been trying to join is reportedly on the list to go to Iraq. I've told them I'm willing to volunteer if they can get my paperwork done. We'll see if that happens.

Take care.

I'm sure they will keep up the fine job they're doing despite the obvious disappointment.

Yeah, that's a great comment. I'm sure they must be really disappointed to have their tour extended about the time they thought it was coming to an end. Anyone would be. I can't imagine what that must be like. But in spite of the emtions, I'm sure they're going to keep on doing a great job -- they're true professionals.

A lot of folks seem to forget the contribution the Guard and Reserve make to our national defense, and all to often the quiet, professionalism displayed by many of their number is overshadowed by the antics of the vocal disgruntled members.

The National Guard carried a heavy share of the burden in Korea, in very similar circumstances. Their participation in Vietnam was more limited EXCEPT for the Air Guard and Reserve; they contributed heavily to all of our actions since WWII.

On a related note, I remember visiting Camp Attabery a long time ago. I was looking for remains of the old POW facility and some related graves. Found them the old Italian chapel and a German cemetery (I think they were returned to Germany since). Interesting history at that place.

President's Message to Service Members in Iraq American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 6, 2003 – President Bush sent the following message via the American Forces Radio and Television Service Nov. 5:

"It is my great privilege to speak to the men and women of the United States military in Iraq, and to thank you for your remarkable service to our country. You're serving far from home, but you are not alone. The American people are behind you. This nation knows the sacrifices you have made. Your families are proud of you, and I'm proud of you too.

"You're now deployed at the central front on the war on terror. And every day you're helping win the war on terror. You've toppled a cruel dictator; you've helped to liberate almost 25 million people; you've captured or killed thousands of terrorists and stopped dozens of planned attacks against the United States and our friends and allies.

"The world is safer and freedom is more secure because of our military. And our military is stronger because each of you volunteered to serve.

"Our mission in Iraq goes on and the war on terror is far from finished. The road ahead is difficult and dangerous, but I have complete confidence in you. And I know that America and our friends will prevail.

"Your efforts are helping to build a secure and stable Iraq, to spread freedom in the Middle East, and to make the world more peaceful for future generations.

"You have the respect of your commander in chief and the gratitude of the American people.

"Thank you, and may God bless you all."

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