KULR 8: Soldiers Prepare for Deployment
BILLINGS – More than 100 Army Reserve soldiers are embarking on a year-long deployment Tuesday. This is the third deployment since 2001 for the 592nd Ordinance Company of the Montana Army Reserve, and their first to Afghanistan.
Sunday morning the soldiers and their loved ones gathered at West High School for a deployment ceremony. Senator Jon Tester spoke about how important family support is for the Army’s men and women.
“The folks of the 592nd are the best of the best, obviously this country is proud of them, proud of their sacrifice. It was said many times here today [Sunday] that we’re also very proud of the families, the husbands, wives, kids, parents,” Senator Jon Tester (D-MT).
The company will be leaving Tuesday for training in Fort Dix, New Jersey.
We caught up with one soldier and his family at the deployment picnic Sunday afternoon. Sargeant James Garcia has always dreamed of being a combat soldier. Leaving his family behind for a year to accomplish that goal will be tough, but he said, worth it to serve his country.
He served in the Navy prior to 9/11 and then faced personal tragedy in 2005. “When I got out of the Navy we lived down South and lost everything in Hurricane Katrina,” Garcia said.
