Guard soldiers appreciate sendoff

POST FALLS - Bound for the deserts of Iraq, hundreds of Idaho National Guard soldiers will ship out on Sept. 21.

Captain Jamie Jarolimek, commanding officer of Alpha Company, 145 Brigade Support Battalion, 116th HVCT, is ready for whatever comes.

"I'm not nervous, because of the company I'm going with," Jarolimek said. "I have full faith in their abilities. It kind of puts my mind at ease."

At the Post Falls American Legion Post 143 on Saturday, the captain, her fellow soldiers and their families attended a sendoff luncheon, complete with hot dogs, hamburgers and ice cream. The legionnaires showed their support, and the troops expressed their thanks.

"It was a really good turnout," said First Sergeant Cammie Hyde, originally from Vale, Ore. "And we really appreciate them sending us off like this too. The community support is phenomenal up here in the north."

Most of the troops were from Alpha Company, based at the armory in Post Falls. Some have been with the unit for several years; others are fresh out of basic training. They are a mix of veterans and newcomers.

With ages ranging between 19 and 47 years old, the guardsmen and women will begin their journey at Camp Shelby, Miss., before deploying to the Middle East. Alpha will spend two months at Shelby, where the troops will receive intensive, mission-specific training.

Then it's off to Iraq for about 12 months - maybe more, maybe less.

"Some of the kids are excited to go," Hyde said. "Some of them are apprehensive. Some of them are nervous. It's our job. It's what we volunteered to do when I said, 'I do.'"

Like Jarolimek, Hyde said she believes the unit is ready.

"I think the training that they have required of us is, for the most part, what they're going to need," Hyde added.

Last April, the Department of Defense announced that the 116th - of which Alpha Company and the rest of 145 BSB is a part - will assist in Operation New Dawn, which was scheduled to begin Sept. 1. Jarolimek said her troops will be involved with base operations in Iraq.

"Having the confidence in their abilities and what they can accomplish, makes me excited about the mission," she said. "They're just very well-rounded individuals. They'll accomplish wonderful things while we're there."

During the event Saturday, the American Legion passed out information on its troop support program. Providing a service to veterans' families, the program is there to help in any way it can, said post commander John Dunlap. If a house needs repairs, for instance, or a yard needs maintenance, the Legion can offer assistance - and valuable peace of mind for a soldier serving overseas.

"All it takes is a phone call," Dunlap added.

Jarolimek was impressed by Saturday's event and the Legion's unwavering support of the National Guard troops.

"To me it's an absolutely incredible thing to see," she said.