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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!" [...]


Comments For "172nd to be largest Alaska deployment since Vietnam":

Dear fellow soldiers. My prayers are with you and your families at this time. My son is also in Iraq, and I pray for your safety while you are there. Thank you all for the job you are doing. May God bless and shelter you in the arms of His love. Good luck and God Bless.

stryker mom from Alabama

Posted by: Brenda Stanford | June 26, 2005 9:11 AM

Dear 172nd Troops,

Kick butt and take names!!

Well, that was the old Jarhead coming back out.

We wish you well and you are in our prayers as we prayed the first deployment back and are praying for the current one. You are our heros.

Mike and Karen Hosko
usmc7680
Yuma, AZ
pop4school@aol.com

Posted by: Mike and Karen | June 26, 2005 12:09 PM

172nd Troops, I wish you a safe and speedy return. While over there keep alert and may God's Angels protect you at every turn. GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

Posted by: Okstrykermom | June 27, 2005 5:05 AM

My prayers are with you all and God bring you all home safely. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you.

Posted by: Florence | June 27, 2005 6:20 AM

172nd...God bless all of you! Please know that we are praying for you everyday, especially for my nephew (James Goddard). You go nowhere by accident. Everywhere you go, God is sending you. There is a purpose for your being there. We pray for God's will to be done in your lives.
Lindalee Walters, Lawrenceville, GA

Posted by: Lindalee Walters | June 27, 2005 7:27 AM

Good luck Protectors of the Great land. I was with 1/17th Inf. regiment Charlie company in the late 90's before they were Stryker and before the 6 Inf. Div became 172nd. I'm glad you guys are going over with Strykers and not SUSV's. I'm proud of you guys and every time you use a Javelin missle I'm helping out. I work for the company that makes the Javelin missle.

Posted by: John Aho | June 28, 2005 1:35 PM

Good luck to you men and woman we'll be thinking and PRAYING for you while your away. I think I know a man that will be going with the guys and his name is(as I knew him) Sgt. Sams I know him to take real good carer of his soldier's. Good luck, be SAFE.Stephanie Reed Ft. Lewis WA.

Posted by: Sgt. Jeffrey & Stephanie Reed | June 29, 2005 3:14 PM

As I said "so long" to my grandson today...I visually wrapped him in a great white light of protection. I pray that it is God's will that he return home unharmed. If that is not God's will, I pray that his life will not have been in vain.

Posted by: Pat White | July 10, 2005 3:15 PM

Good luck with your mission.

Heather

Posted by: Heather | July 16, 2005 7:10 AM

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