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Spc. Robert Henry III spends some last moments with his new bride, Tiffany, before leaving for a year-long deployment to the Middle East. The Henrys were married July 1.
Posted on 07/10/2006 2:27:35 AM PDT by leadpenny
WHEELING — Friends and loved ones shared tearful goodbyes Sunday with members of a local National Guard unit expected to soon be deployed to Iraq.
Members of the 150th Army Aviation Battalion of the West Virginia National Guard took off in a C-130 transport aircraft from the Wheeling-Ohio County Airport Sunday evening. They were headed back to their training base, Fort Sill, Okla., to await their final deployment date to Kuwait. While in Kuwait, the soldiers will then assemble their Blackhawk helicopters and wait to join the war in Iraq.
The soldiers had been training for their mission since March at Fort Sill. They came back to Wheeling June 27 for a short visit.
Although leaving their loved ones was difficult, many said they wanted simply to get the job done and come home as soon as possible.
The soldiers and families were forced to prolong their goodbyes Sunday, as a mechanical part was needed for the C-130’s auxiliary generator. Instead of leaving at about 1 p.m. as planned, the soldiers took off at about 6:30 p.m. Soldiers at the airport said once they reach Kuwait, their tour of duty is expected to last about a year.
“Waiting is terrible,” said Teena Miller, wife of Ty Miller, who is a Blackhawk pilot with the 150th and a Wheeling police officer. “I’d rather it get started and get it over with.”
Ty Miller said because of his extensive training he was ready to perform.
“You know when you’re ready,” Ty said.
The Watson family of Moundsville will be without two of its men, as Sgt. Brooke Watson and his son, Spc. Chris Watson, both are members of the 150th.
“I hope they come back safe — all of them,” said Betty Ruckman, who is Chris Watson’s grandmother.
Brooke’s 18-year-old daughter, Kayla Watson, said she planned to communicate with her dad and brother via an Internet-linked camera during their deployment.
“It will be hard, but I know they’ll be back soon,” Kayla said.
Meanwhile, Brooke said he was “more than ready” to do his duty.
“Until we actually get to Kuwait, our year doesn’t start. It’s been a long time away from our family and jobs,” Brooke said, referring to time spent already training in Oklahoma.
Ohio County Sheriff’s deputy Ron Meyer’s son, Sgt. Zach Meyer, is a Blackhawk crew chief with the 150th.
Ron said he is very proud of his son, but also “scared and worried to death” about him going to war.
Zach’s wife, Jennifer, and 7-month-old son, Haydon, also were at the airport.
“I’m ready for them to leave so they can come home,” Jennifer said.
Zach said he will miss his family the most while overseas. He said he did not know exactly what to expect in Iraq, as “everything is constantly changing.”
“I’m ready to go and get it done,” Zach said.
Spc. Robert Henry III, the son of Wheeling Police Cpl. Robert Henry and grandson of Wheeling City Councilman Robert “Herk” Henry, just got married July 1. At the airport, Spc. Henry and his bride, Tiffany, held each other tight until it was time for them to part.
“He’s leaving now and he’s still on his honeymoon,” said Councilman Henry. “I don’t want anything to happen to him. ... He’s proud to go.”
Spc. Henry said he and Tiffany plan to honeymoon in Hawaii when he comes home.
Before boarding the plane with his fellow soldiers, member Robert McAninch of Bellaire shouted to the crowd “Hey, we’re going to give them hell!”
With its massive engines, the C-130 roared up the airstrip and made one flyby before disappearing into the skyline.
Maybe someone could post it on the thread? Thanks
Heroes bump!
You da man! Thank you.
Isn't that a wonderful pic?
You're welcome and it is a great pic. I hope and pray they all come home safely.
We all love American heroes and these are them....
Prayers for a safe return.
Waiting is terrible,” said Teena Miller, wife of Ty Miller, who is a Blackhawk pilot with the 150th and a Wheeling police officer. “I’d rather it get started and get it over with.”
“You know when you’re ready,” Ty said.
The Watson family of Moundsville will be without two of its men, as Sgt. Brooke Watson and his son, Spc. Chris Watson, both are members of the 150th.
“I hope they come back safe — all of them,” said Betty Ruckman, who is Chris Watson’s grandmother.
“It will be hard, but I know they’ll be back soon,” Kayla said.
Meanwhile, Brooke said he was “more than ready” to do his duty.
Ron said he is very proud of his son, .....
“I’m ready to go and get it done,” Zach said.
“He’s leaving now and he’s still on his honeymoon,” said Councilman Henry. “I don’t want anything to happen to him. ... He’s proud to go.”
Before boarding the plane with his fellow soldiers, member Robert McAninch of Bellaire shouted to the crowd “Hey, we’re going to give them hell!”
All of these outtakes show the same great spirit, the same determination to get the job done, to win this war. Compare that to the whining kid who decided he didnt want to be in the guard because "you get yelled at and have to take orders."
God speed to these West Virginians. We are very proud of them.
I sent Shelley Hanson a note thanking her for a nice job.
Afternoon bump.
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