The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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  • Staff Sgt. Devon Bruns, of Worthington, carries 8-year-old daughter Madison on his back during a family send-off event at Minnesota State University Saturday evening. The Mankato-based reserve unit ships out to Iraq today. Pat Christman

    TroopSendoff

January 17, 2010

Departing soldiers ready to get the job done

Unit deploying to Iraq today to build structures, work with citizens

By Tim Krohn Free Press Staff Writer

MANKATO — Despite being with their families and friends for the last time before shipping out to Iraq, there was a universal sense of purpose among the soldiers at a gathering Saturday evening.

“I just want to get there and get my job done,” said Specialist Thomas Gambrel.

After months of anticipation, 169 members of the Mankato-based 492nd Army Reserve Engineering Company are deploying to Iraq today to build structures for the Army and work with local citizens.

Gambrel, with his wife, Kari, and 1-year-old daughter, Helen, were among hundreds of people gathered at Minnesota State University for an event coordinated by the unit’s family readiness group.

Gambrel, of Sioux Falls, like about half the unit, is seeing his first deployment. About half the unit served in Afghanistan for 16 months in 2004.

While worried about the distance and the year apart, the couple said they are ready.

“He’s got to do it. I support him,” Kari said.

The two have already set up a communications plan — using Skype so they can have a two-way video and audio link.

“We’re fortunate to have the technology to do that. You think of the guys in World War II, they were gone three or four years and had no contact,” Thomas said.

Karolyn Byers admitted she’s had some sleepless nights as her son, Specialist Josh Byers of Westbrook, ships out.

“Mom has a tummy ache,” she said. “We’re very proud of him.”

As for her son, there was no reservations. “I’m ready to go. Ready to stop talking about it and go,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Tim Walz, who had 24 years in the Reserve, said that while soldiers may have to be without their children, “All our children can sleep better because of what you do.”

Noting that Congress has the fewest members ever who have served in the military, Walz said pressure must be kept on to fully fund the military and veterans services.

“If there’s money for Wall Street, there damn sure better be money for weapons and protections you need,” Walz said.

He said troops have been given a mission that they can achieve and said returning veterans should never have to face obstacles in getting what they deserve.

“You should never have to ask for your education. You should never have to ask for your VA benefits,” Walz said. “We as a country owe you that.”

Capt. Brad Hanson, head of the unit, introduced the platoon leaders and officers and told family members the soldiers were well prepared for the year ahead.

“I give you the promise ... we will do everything it takes to make sure of their safe return home. They are ready,” Hanson said.

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