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172nd to be largest Alaska deployment since Vietnam

Jun-26-2005 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

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By TATABOLINE BRANT, Anchorage Daily News

Hundreds of war-bound soldiers gathered in formation at Fort Richardson early Friday for an easy, five-mile run with their commander, who afterward released them on two weeks vacation -- their last big break before shipping out to a place where people like them sometimes die.

The 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team, about 3,800 soldiers total, is slated to leave for Iraq in August in the biggest Army deployment out of Alaska since Vietnam.

In Iraq, the soldiers will likely do everything from conduct raids and man security checkpoints to hand out humanitarian aid and help rebuild, officials say -- in other words, they'll be on the front lines, as much as there is such a thing in Iraq.

Commanders hope to bring everyone back alive but recognize theirs is a dangerous mission. The two other Stryker brigades that have gone to Iraq have had members killed or wounded, according to the commander of the 172nd, Col. Michael Shields. Already, Army officials in Alaska have briefed media in Anchorage and Fairbanks about what types of information can and can't be released if a soldier in the 172nd is hurt or killed. [...]

The run Friday was designed to be more of a morale booster than a training run. After the run, Norris spoke to the battalion briefly before cutting them loose.

"We are all about to embark on a life-altering mission that will be a defining period that will influence you the rest of your lives," Norris said. "We enter freely into a country with a distinct history and very deep roots. Iraq is recognized as the birthplace of civilization, the location of the Garden of Eden. ... We go with purpose but also with respect.

"Please take this time on leave to relax and to reflect on what we are about to do on the field of battle. Enjoy this time off with your family, be safe and return with earnest, ready to deploy and most importantly -- unleash hell!" [...]


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