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Stryker extension

Jul-28-2006 » Filed Under: 172nd SBCT

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By Andrea Gusty, KTVA News Reporter

There is traumatic news for some Alaskan military families as their loved ones get an extension on their already dangerous mission. The Defense Department decided this could be a possibility and Alaskan Army officials began notifying families. They made it official Thursday. Members Alaska's 172nd Stryker Brigade, that have already been in Iraq for a year, will extend their stay indefinitely.

"This is a historic event. Our unit has been chosen because of our performance in Mosul, the Tigris River Valley and the strength and cohesion of the unit and the strength and cohesion of the family readiness groups," said Col. Michael Shields, Commander, 172nd Stryker Brigade.

"We know that our senior leadership thought this through completely and we are proud that the Arctic Wolves were picked for this assignment," said Maj. Gen. Charles Jacoby, Commander, Alaska Army.

The assignment is an extension on an already very dangerous mission. During the year that the 4,400 Strykers have been deployed, 19 Alaskan soldiers have died and 305 have been wounded in action.

"We know this comes as a disappointment and there are hardships to be endured, but this is the right organization for a tough mission- that our country needed done. And this brigade, and these families, and this team, and this community are prepared to get it done," said Jacoby.

But Stryker families back here at home were expecting their loved ones to return within the next week. Now, they don't know when they will be back.

"Everyone in command knows that this presents some significant challenges for all of the family members. Every single family, we anticipate, will have some sort of hardship," said Maj. Kirk Gohlke, P.I.O., Alaska Army.

"They have made it very clear to us that anything we need, they will bend over backwards to provide. And we are confident in that offer," said Gohlke.


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