Article published July 08, 2009 Departing guardsmen honored at ceremony Owens is host to 180 heading for Iraq
Sgt. Brian Koch of Ashland, Ohio, holding his 8-day-old granddaughter, Emma Koch, was sent off by family members including his daughter Megan Koch, the baby's mother.
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THE BLADE/JETTA FRASER
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Today, 180 soldiers will leave behind their friends and family to begin 45 days of intense training before being deployed to a small town north of Baghdad.
Their mission: To support the efforts in Iraq by relocating heavy artillery from former combat zones.
At a special call to duty ceremony at Owens Community College in Perrysburg Township yesterday afternoon, politicians, community leaders, friends and family gathered to honor the sacrifice and commitment of the 1483rd Transportation Company, 371st Sustainment Brigade of Ohio's National Guard.
"We feel honored, we feel humbled, we feel very, very, very grateful," Mayor Carty Finkbeiner said to the assembled soldiers.
Among those who commended the soldiers and thanked the hundreds of friends and family in attendance for their support were representatives of Gov. Ted Strickland's office and of Ohio's two senators.
Maj. Gen. Greg Wayt of the Joint Force Headquarters Ohio called on those present to "recognize the great warriors sitting here today … [who] support this great nation and defend the freedoms we enjoy."
He added that the common thread that connects the diverse group of soldiers is their belief that "freedom isn't free" and called families the "power behind the power."
For family members, the ceremony was bittersweet.
"He volunteered, so of course I'm proud of him," Heather Conyers said of her husband, Marshall, who is heading out for his second tour in Iraq. She added that she tries to hide her worry "with a smile."
But Becky Schroeder of Rossford could barely hold back tears as she spoke of the constant concern she feels for her nephew Tony Schroeder, 25, who is also heading out for his second tour with the National Guard.
She explained that even though he has told her that this time he has a desk job and will be fine, the anxious feeling would not go away.
"My heart is with them," Mrs. Schroeder said, comforting her 7-year-old daughter, Sarah. "I wish they weren't there but I understand why they are."
The company includes those who have served with other companies in the Ohio National Guard on previous tours in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as those who have just graduated from advanced individual training.
Leaving the ceremony, each soldier carried a yellow rose and a blue star service banner for his or her family to fly as a symbol of their loved one's service to country.
Spec. James Ross, 21, of Akron who has been with the National Guard for almost nine months, said he joined because it would aid him financially with school.
"I'm a little scared but more anxious than anything," he said about being deployed for the first time.
Sgt. Eddy Johnson, 40, who has been with the National Guard for 15 years, said he feels more optimistic going into his second tour than he did his first.
He explained that this time, he feels the end of the conflict is in sight.
This is the first time the 1483rd Transportation Company, located in Walbridge and created in 2004, has been mobilized for service outside the United States.
In 2006 and 2008, the unit assisted recovery efforts in Louisiana after hurricanes Katrina and Gustav, respectively.
Contact Florence Dethy at: fdethy@theblade.com or 419-724-6064. Permanent Link
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