Belleville (IL) Soldiers Deployed To Iraq

KSDK.com ^ | 7/8/06 | Jeff Small

[StarCMC]

Belleville Soldiers Deployed To Iraq created: 7/8/2006 6:51:32 PM updated: 7/8/2006 7:02:56 PM Saturday was the second time local family and friends said goodbye to Army reservists. In 2002, the group deployed to Afghanistan, and now they are preparing to spend 18 months in Iraq. There were numerous, poignant moments as loved ones said goodbye and good luck to the men and women of the 657th transportation detachment. The reservists are preparing to spend the next year and half overseas. One of the groups main responsibilities is to coordinate transportation activities in Iraq. Roland Cruz is leaving behind his wife and little boy. He says it is sad but necessary.  Abigail Orne said farewell to her husband of nearly 3 years. She says the moment was surreal. Some soldiers say their previous wartime experience was a big help in dealing with the emotional farewell. Still they say, it is never easy. Loved ones stood close by as the groups bus left the Belleville facility. The detachment will spend 45 days training in Indiana before heading to Iraq. Jeff Small

KSDK NewsChannel 5 - Belleville Soldiers Deployed To Iraq

[StarCMC]

Prayers for out troops!

[StarCMC]

This is the sister unit to KJFine's unit. We will be supporting them when they deploy to Iraq. I personally know one of these soldiers, and I have spoken with the XO.

God speed, warriors. Return to us safely.

[StarCMC]

Pinging some friends. Sister unit to my brother's Army Reserve unit.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

"Prayers for out troops!"

AMEN

[SandRat]

O God, I beseech You, watch over those exposed to the horror of war, and the spiritual dangers of a soldier’s or sailor’s life.

Give them such a strong faith that no human respect may ever lead them to deny it, nor fear ever to practice it. By Your grace, O God, fortify them against the contagion of bad example, that being preserved from vice, and serving You faithfully, they may be ready to meet you face to face when they are so called: through Christ our Lord.

Amen

[LdSentinal]

God bless them.

[Quark606]

Fix Bayonets!
Good Luck

[Quark606]

Fix Bayonets!
Good Luck

[TASMANIANRED]

Prayers for all of them.

[El Gran Salseron]

Prayers and good wishes for all of them.

Oh, and one other thing, guys.....

KICK BUTT!

[Brad’s Gramma]

Prayers for these fine soldiers...many prayers.

Thank them, Star, for their service.

[Darksheare]

Good luck, and Godspeed soldiers!

[MeekMom]

These fine men and women are in my thoughts and prayers.
May God protect them all and bring them back home again safe and sound.
Thank you Star!!!

[leadpenny]

Eighteen months!

Where's that coming from?

[Coop]

Extending my sincerest gratitude to these warriors and the loved ones they leave behind in defense of our freedom. We will be praying for a successful mission and safe return of all of you. You will not be forgotten nor abandoned by your fellow citizens back home. God bless!

Coop
Springfield VA

[Gucho]

Support for Belleville Soldiers Deployed To Iraq


Ping!

[laurenmarlowe]

Prayers for this unit deploying, God speed, and God Bless you.

You will be in our thoughts and prayers endlessly.

Thank you Star.

[blackie]

Godspeed Hero's ~ you are in our thoughts and prayers and we are forever indebted to you for your service and to your families for their support and resolve.

Be Ever Vigilant!

[El Gato]

Eighteen months!

Yep, but IIRC that includes pre deployment training at a stateside post, plus demobilization time after the tour.

[El Gato]

includes pre deployment training at a stateside post

Lest anyone think this is something only required for "poorly trained reservists", active duty units spend at least that much time "working up" for their deployments. In general reserve units are more experienced, but have had less recent practice, than their active duty counterparts. It's more true in the Air Reserve forces, but is true in the Army and Marine units as well, and those Navy units that are "unconventional", like CBs, port units, etc. rather than shipboard types.