Thousands of IN soldiers head to Iraq Save Email Print
Posted: 11:42 PM Jan 2, 2008
 Last Updated: 11:50 PM Jan 2, 2008
 Reporter: Sarah Platt
Email Address: sarah.platt@wndu.com
14 comments
A | A | A

Thousands of Indiana National Guard soldiers are heading to Iraq. On Wednesday, those troops had an official send-off in Indianapolis and families had a chance to say goodbye one last time.

About 25,000 people packed the stands of the RCA Dome, home of the Indianapolis Colts, but on this occasion these people are not football fans; they are here to say farewell.

“It's the hardest thing I’ve ever done. I got used to saying goodbye to him, but knowing he won't be back for a year, it’s tough,” says Amanda Borders, whose fiancée is heading to Iraq.

“I hate to do this to my family again, leave my son, my wife and leave her with all the responsibilities of home again,” adds Staff Sergeant Rick Love, of Greensburg, Indiana.

More than 3,400 Indiana National Guard troops will be heading to Iraq. Many elected officials, families and friends were on hand to wish the soldiers well. Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels addressed the service men and women, “May the hand of the Lord be upon you and may you meet your duty with full honor.”

“You are the very best that Indiana has to offer,” added Congressman Joe Donnelly.

These soldiers come from several different units, but all make up the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. This deployment is the largest single unit shipped out by the Indiana Guard since World War II.

“Nervous and scared, but my family is very supportive of me,” says PFC Dian Martz of Fort Wayne.

About 150 soldiers from Warsaw's Alpha Company are heading out. For many, this is not their first time to Iraq. Soldiers embraced their families one last time before their long-awaited return.

These Indiana National Guard troops will be deployed for twelve months. They are expected back at the end of 2008 or early 2009.
More Stories
Man impersonates police officer, assaults woman in Elkhart County

McCain picks Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as VP

Man beaten at Mishawaka gas station

Local reaction to McCain's VP, Democratic National Convention

 Family and friends say goodbye to Army Staff Sergeant Kristopher Rodgers

Should the rash of gun violence concern the public?

Job cuts announced at Mishawaka Hummer plant

Bicyclist killed in St. Joseph County
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
Posted by: Annie Location: Warsaw IN on Jul 9, 2008 at 01:15 PM
My husband and I were married only a few months before he had to leave for Iraq. The hardest thing is to see them leave. Seeing such a strong man cry because he doesn’t want to leave his wife. Standing in tears in South Carolina I watched my husband walk away. He turned, kissed his hand and saluted me a kiss. I just looked up at the sky and prayed that god would keep him safe. For those of you who don’t support our troops you need to have a loved one leave. Maybe; when you are standing at the foot of one of Americas giants...a hero...a soldier. You will understand To those of you who support our troops I thank god for you everyday. You make this so much easier. Reading the comments brings tears of joy to my eyes. This is what America is about. We aren’t always for the war but we always stick together as one united people! Thank you all and god bless Pray for corp. Jason Rockey infantry medic
Posted by: Jay Location: SB on Jan 4, 2008 at 08:24 AM
I agree, Jeff. I appreciate each and every soldier, because they are over there fighting so that people like myself here at home, dont have to. But, it makes me sick that we are still sending soldiers to a country that we have no business in. I support our troops because I support bringing them home. Bush, bring are kids home!!!!
Posted by: Kris Location: Michigan on Jan 4, 2008 at 12:45 AM
One of our dear friends that was called out of inactive duty is among those soldiers leaving for Iraq. He will be greatly missed by his friends and family, especially his 2 daughters. My own fiance has the posibility of being called back since he is also in his inactive duty phase for the army until 2010. The thought of him going to Irag for a whole year is heartbreaking. May they all come home to us safely. Come home to us Jason safe and sound.
Posted by: Jeff Location: south bend on Jan 3, 2008 at 06:50 PM
My son is among those who are going. I am not happy about this, but I support what he has to do. He signed up as a cook with the Indiana National Guard. Now he'll be doing convoy security as a gunner. It don't make sense. From a cook to a soldier who is in one of the most dangerous jobs to be had in Iraq. I hate to see our troops die. I hate to see our men and women injured and crippled because of this invasion. Our government has to find a way out of this. But it seems they will continue, for a long time to come, to send our family and friends over to Iraq to fight a war that has no end. And no clear purpose. It just seems to me that if we had a president who were as smart and diplomatic as he is stubborn and cocky. Then maybe all of this would have been handled differently. And maybe no lives would have been lost. I don't know how Bush sleeps at night. In the mean time pray for our troops. m a
Posted by: Debbie Location: Warsaw on Jan 3, 2008 at 01:45 PM
May God bless them and keep them safe. They are all in my thoughts and prayers. May it be a speedy return home!!!!Thanks to all of the brave men and women serving in our armed forces!! SUPPORT YOUR TROOPS!!!!
Posted by: Walker Location: New Paris on Jan 3, 2008 at 12:22 PM
Keep in mind all soliders that are deployed VOLUNTEERED!!! No one forced their hand, but due to their courage and bravery - they signed up to protect us - this is what they've been PAID and TRAINED to do. Sending troops into battle or a major "Policing Mission" of an entire country (which Iraq has now become) is one of the hardest decisions a leader has to make. Going forward America will have to stand up and fight evil dictators who kill thousands of innocent people and who have the drive, means, and will to do great harm to the US and any US Sovereignty. Bush said at the beginning the War on Terror would be long and would call for great sacrifice and now it seems people have forgotten that.
Posted by: M Location: Niles on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:57 AM
God bless these soldiers and keep them safe. I too have lived the life of a soldiers wife and it is so hard to think of them being away, but as I was told by my husband when it happened to us, this is the occupation he choose and he went to do his "job" with pride and knew we were all praying for him back home and that is what helped keep him going, so remember everyone, soldiers and thier family in your prayers, I know I will.
Posted by: Anonymous Location: WARSAW on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:41 AM
A lot of these men being sent out are from Warsaw, and I know we just want them to come home safe. Also the familes are in my thoughts are prayers. I agree though it is time to stop fighting a war we should not be in. Maybe we should send one of the Bush twins to Iraq for a year and there father would learn to play a differnt tune after that.
Posted by: Sarah Location: Mishawaka on Jan 3, 2008 at 10:05 AM
My boyfriend got sent out yesterday as well, it is not his first time to Iraq, however it is my first time in this situation. Although he is going to be missed greatly they ALL need SUPPORT from those they leave behind. Whether you know someone being sent over there or not, SUPPORT YOUR TROOPS!!! This has to be one of the toughest things I have been through, and I am a single mom. There are many men and women going over there with no one to miss them or to send them things that they might need, so I encourage each and every person reading this to get involved and show some love :) I pray for all service people and thier families at this time as well as for myself that God gives me the strength to stay strong and supportive throughout not only this next long year ahead of me but for all times.
Posted by: Tom on Jan 3, 2008 at 09:41 AM
I agree with Jacob. We should not be over there. With that having been said... Message to all the troops leaving... we want you all home as soon as possible, and no worse for the wear... To the families left behind, a wish for your loved ones safe and prompt return.
Posted by: Marine brat Location: granger on Jan 3, 2008 at 09:16 AM
I'm sure these men and ladies will need things after they get settled, is there a central adddress that we can mail them things? May God and your buddies keep you safe.
Posted by: Jane Vanecek Location: North Judson on Jan 3, 2008 at 07:48 AM
May God bless each and every one of them.
Posted by: Jacob on Jan 3, 2008 at 04:46 AM
These men and their families do not deserve this. The war needs to be ended.
Five Day
WNDU News Poll

How many games will the Irish win this season?

Fewer than 6
Between 6 and 8
9 or 10
More than 10


 
Most Discussed Headlines