South Bend's Company F Prepares to Head to Iraq

by Nora Gathings (hsgathings@wsbt.com)

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South Bend's Company F Prepares to Head to Iraq

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Aug 10, 2007 at 9:49 AM EST

Story Updated: Aug 10, 2007 at 5:50 PM EST

(WSBT) 175 South Bend based soldiers are preparing to head to war. National Guard members from Company F are heading to Kuwait this weekend to continue training before going to Iraq.

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After a summer of training, Company F's mission in Iraq will involve providing perimeter and convoy security.

The final departure ceremony took place Friday afternoon, just before their expected departure. However, the unit is still at Fort Dix because delays have repeatedly pushed their flight back.

The last few days have been spent waiting. The soldiers say they're getting impatient because they are ready to go now.

Groups of soldiers gathered outside their barracks — some sharing final moments with family, some playing games, and many laughing. But they say underneath the smiles are trained soldiers anxiously awaiting their call to duty.

“They want to go serve their nation,” said Brig. Gen. David Harris. “They know it’s dangerous but they also know it’s a little exciting, and they’re looking to fulfill that.”

Most of the soldiers are on their second deployment to Iraq.

General Harris says these soldiers are keeping the Army better prepared because they teach soldiers back here what they've learned in Iraq.

Over the next few days, WSBT News will have more information on Company F and their deployment, including a special report on their departure Saturday night at 11 p.m.

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