Soldiers from 266th deploy to Iraq

By Julia LeDoux

Published: October 8, 2008

With prayers for their safety and hugs and tears from family members, 170 National Guard soldiers of the Manassas-based 266th Military Police Company left Wednesday for a year-long deployment to Iraq.

"The sacrifices we're making today by leaving our loved ones behind is one that's going to ensure freedom and security for another country and also will help protect the borders of America by eliminating the breeding ground for potential future terrorists," said 266th commander Capt. Ryan Mallory during the departure ceremony, held at the Boys and Girls Club of Manassas. "As Americans, we're happy to lend a hand to another nation when they're in need. As citizen soldiers, we're always ready to do what's asked of us."

Mallory and his soldiers will train members of the Iraqi police force and perform their doctrinal missions of area security, maneuver and mobility support while overseas.

Maj. Gen. Robert Newman, adjutant general of Virginia, recognized the myriad emotions the soldiers and their families were feeling as they prepared to part from one another.

"These guys and gals are all volunteers," he added. "No one forced them to join this unit. They did so of their own free will, not only to serve this great commonwealth, but also our great nation."

Newman praised the soldiers for being ready to provide everything from hurricane relief in Hampton Roads to training the Iraqi police force in downtown Baghdad.

"They are going over there to make a difference in people's lives, to help shape a nation and to help make our country safer," he said.

Sgt. 1st Class Chris Smith and his wife, Marianne, of Staunton were among those who shared a long embrace before the ceremony.

"Anticipation, happiness, sadness, every possible emotion," Marianne Smith said as she looked at her husband. "I'm very proud of him."

"I just want to do what we need to do and get back home," said her husband, a 15-year veteran of the National Guard with one deployment behind him.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine said the commonwealth would not waver in its support of the soldiers and their families.

"I want to say to each of you who are being deployed that we honor your public service. We honor the example you set, that you set here in the commonwealth and in this country, but also as you serve overseas," he said. "The way you serve, your integrity and dedication will set an example whose effects will be felt throughout the world."

Staff Sgt. Jeff Brower was buoyed by the support of his wife, Shelly, daughters 5-year-old Ann Marie, 6-month-old Julia and his parents, Jerry and Elaine.

"It's in the Lord's hands," Elaine said of her son's journey to Iraq.

Holding Julia in her arms, Shelly said the family was as prepared as they could be for Jeff's departure.

"We're doing okay," she said with a smile.

The Browers live at Fort Belvoir and have been married for nine years. Jeff has served in the National Guard for more than 11 years.

Spc. Aaron Thompson of Henrico County admitted to being a little anxious as the time to board the buses drew nearer.

"I guess I'm looking forward to getting over there, getting the job done, coming back and getting my life back," he said.

Thompson has been a member of the National Guard for five years. His girlfriend, Lauren Hammer, held him close.

"I love him and he just needs to come home safe," she said.

Sam Nealey, District 8 Commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and member of VFW Post 7589 in Manassas, officially adopted the unit on behalf of the post during the ceremony.

"The VFW will be behind you and your families the whole time you're gone and when you get back," he said.

The soldiers traveled to Fort Dix, N.J., after the ceremony for their final mobilization training and will remain there through late November. They are scheduled to arrive in Iraq in early December. Their exact duty location has not been finalized.

Julia LeDoux can be reached at 703-369-5718.