| The Guam National Guard detachment, which operates Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units, will be tasked to water support duties while deployed. |
| By U.S. Army Spc. Cheryl Ransford 17th Public Affairs Detachment |
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SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii, Nov. 1, 2005 — Since 1982, the 909th Quartermaster Detachment has participated extensively in humanitarian support missions to provide water to people affected by typhoons, floods, earthquakes and other disasters.
Another chapter in the history of the unit was written Oct. 25 when 21 soldiers prepared to deploy to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The detachment is located at Fort Juan Muna in Dededo, Guam, home to four Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Units. Each unit is capable of producing 3,000 gallons of either potable or non-potable water every hour. "Today marks the end of 90 days of hard training and preparation," said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Donald J. Goldhorn, adjutant general, Guam National Guard. "Your mission is clear... you will provide water support to an ongoing mission. Carry with you not only the distinction of your unit but also the distinction of the many other units from Guam who are serving in Iraq and Afghanistan." Currently, 21 Guam National Guard soldiers in the detachment operate the Reverse Osmosis Water Purification Unit and are proudly called the "water dawgs." In a speech read by Goldhorn, Gov. Felix P. Camacho, the governor of Guam, said "Words cannot explain my gratitude for your service. You are soldiers of freedom and ambassadors of peace." Some of the unit's most notable humanitarian support missions include Palau in 1996, where it produced 12,000 gallons of water for the residents of the main island, Koror; and September 1997, July 2002 and December 2002, when the unit was called upon to provide water support to the thousands of residents of Guam and the surrounding islands when typhoons Paka, Chatta'n and Pongsona struck the territory and the Federated States of Micronesia. The detachment's water capabilities have been instrumental in providing essential aid to communities in moments of crisis. |
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While this is the unit's first deployment to a combat zone, the soldiers have maintained their morale and are ready for what lies ahead of them. "I'm nervous but very confident in the skills of the team," said U.S. Army Spc. Jason Marquez, water purification specialist. "Also, I am looking forward to the different things that we'll have the opportunity to experience while we are over there." With motivation high, within a tight-knit group of soldiers, the governor had one last comment to make in his speech. "Go with courage and strength," he said. "Do what needs to be done, knowing that every day we are thinking of you and praying for you." When the ceremony ended, U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Walter P. DeJesus, 105th Troop Command, Guam National Guard, gave his final parting comment. "The time will come when you will return and share your experiences with us," said DeJesus. "Until then, Godspeed."
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