N.H. Reserve unit to spend another 90 days in Middle East

Associated Press via Army Times ^ | April 14, 2004 | Associated Press

[68skylark]

PORTLAND, Maine

[68skylark]

I certain these are great soldiers who will do their duty with distinction, whatever that duty may be. But it sure seems cruel to put them within hours of getting on a plane, only to extend their tour by three months. Meanwhile, there are thousands of troops willing to volunteer to take a tour of duty, who just get blocked by petty bureaucracy.

American soldiers can have a tough life. Seems like some of our leadership making it tougher than it needs to be.

[wingman1]

These troops need our prayers.

I recall when I was a short-timer in Vietnam in late 1970, and because of troop reductions, my time was cut from 56 days remaining to 36. In otherwords I received a "drop" of 20 days. I was ecstatic. I was going home early.

I can see how this news could do alot to hurt morale. They could sure use some good news.

[Catspaw]

Our local (Ashwaubenon WI, near Green Bay) Army Reserve unit, the 432nd Civil Affairs Division, landed in NC early this morning. Until they landed on US soil, we held our collective breaths, hoping they wouldn't be extended. They've been gone, as one member of the unit pointed out, 411 days.

[68skylark]

It's interesting that you should mention the CA battalion near you. I've been in and around the military for awhile, but until recently I never really knew anything about CA. Lately I've been learning, and I'm very impressed at what these units do -- I had no idea. These folks are on the very front lines of democracy.

[Catspaw]

These folks are on the very front lines of democracy.

Yes, they are. And this unit gets called up in just about every conflict, so they must be very good. Fortunately, they didn't have one loss of life during their service in this tour.

They'll be back in Green Bay on 4/22 and there's going to be a two day city-wide celebration in July in their honor.

[68skylark]

Glad they're getting a party and public recognition. All our military troops do great work -- these particular boys (and girls) are especially superlative.

I've been trying to join a CA unit near me -- the 415th CA battalion. So far, my current unit says they won't relese me for the transfer. But I'm pretty determined, so I hope I'll win this little battle in the end! It would be a real honor.

[Catspaw]

I hope you get your transfer. CA units do great work.

What is so much better this time around with the 432nd is that we've been able to follow them via imbeds, local media going to Iraq to cover them, e-mails, phone calls to and from Iraq to company members, photos and videos. For good or bad (and the worst was when one of the unit's humvees hit an IED and a few were lightly injured), we back home were with them all the way.