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By Staff Sgt. Carmen L. Burgess
FAIRBANKS, Ala. (Army News Service, Aug. 24, 2006) – Though the hardships of being deployed to a combat zone are difficult for Soldiers, the families left behind may experience even greater challenges. Add uncertainty and unpredictability to the equation and things can get that much tougher – just ask families of the 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat Team.
The unit’s tour in Iraq was unexpectedly extended last month, just two weeks before their scheduled redeployment date.
“We aren’t thrilled about our husbands remaining over there, but we’re going to deal with it,” said Bridget Babbitt, whose husband is in Fort Richardson’s 4th Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment. “We are proud of all the things they’re doing and we understand why they are over there.”
Babbit joined 20 other spouses in a roundtable discussion with Secretary of the Army Francis Harvey at Fort Wainwright Aug. 17. The spouses were surprisingly positive, and also grateful for the help of support teams that arrived to help families immediately following the announcement.
Harvey told the spouses that having Soldiers from the 172nd Stryker BCT in Baghdad is critical to breaking the cycle of terror in Iraq.
“I know this has been a great disappointment to all of you,” Harvey said to family readiness group members. “I understand the hardships we’re putting you through, but this is important to the establishment of democracy in Iraq.
“With their advanced combat platforms and systems, 172nd Soldiers are bringing unique, never-before-seen capabilities to the operation in Baghdad,” Harvey said, adding that the Army’s senior leaders are keenly aware of the strain the deployment has put on Soldiers and their families.
Family assistance centers continue to assist family members with such issues as enrolling children in school systems, reimbursing airfare, honoring future assignments and return delivery of household goods.
“The support we have received has been phenomenal and overwhelming. It has filtered all the way down to the families,” said Barbara Keyes, wife of the 172nd Support Battalion commander. “I think most people have confidence that their problems are being resolved.”
“My number one priority is to re-establish predictability for families and resolve personnel and entitlements issues related to the extension,” said Harvey.
The secretary reminded family readiness group members that the support teams have a direct link with Washington in order to help with specific issues and cut through red tape.
“In some ways, deployments and extensions are harder on families than Soldiers,” said Harvey. “It takes a solid team – unit leaders, family readiness groups, the garrison and the community – to provide the support needed to help ease the burden of separation.”
Chief of Staff Gen. Peter Schoomaker and Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth Preston also visited Fort Wainwright families last week to ensure their needs and concerns were being met.
(via Army News Service)