Hometown heroes go off to serve once again

Hayden's "Wolfpack" Army Reserve 455th Engineer Bravo Company is part of the Army Reserve's 321st Engineer Battalion. Originally constituted in the National Army in 1918, the battalion saw action in the Pacific Theater from 1942 to 1946, earning a Presidential Unit Citation for Okinawa, the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation, and Meritorious Unit Citations in 1944 and 1945. In 1948 its headquarters were moved to Boise, and the battalion later saw action in Iraq in 2006 to 2007. In keeping with its military tradition, the 321st is one of the most decorated units in the Iraqi theater of war. Equivalent to an individual earning a Silver Star, the 321st was awarded the army's Valorous Unit Award. The citation reads "...[the unit] displayed extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy... The Battalion significantly reduced casualties resulting from improvised explosive devices for both friendly forces and the Iraqi civilian population." It also earned the Navy Unit Commendation for service with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). The citation reads "The personnel of 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward) transformed the future of the Anbar Province of Iraq while combating a brutally persistent insurgent threat across a battle space spanning more than 50,000 square miles... redefined the concept of valor to meet the unique demands of counterinsurgency operations..."

Well, folks, our Wolfpack is on duty again, this time in Afghanistan. According to the Cd'A Press, there are 25 soldiers from Kootenai County deploying with them, with more than 100 in all. Before duty in Afghanistan, they will train at Fort Bliss, Texas, for road clearing patrols, engineering missions, security, and training of locals. Pretty much the same mission as when they were deployed in Iraq. Did anyone say that this is a very dangerous mission? Well, based on their performance in Iraq and the accompanying awards, this is one of the most dangerous missions in a theater of war! As an infantryman, I can attest that even though we went face to face with the enemy, the high profile nature of the engineers makes it that much more dangerous. You guys ROCK!

We here on the home front will keep you in our hearts and be there with you in spirit. Most of you know that there is a family support group and family activities "will be key in the coming months to help with the tough moments." Family member quotes in the Press article said "I don't think you can ever prepare for this," and "I am very proud of my soldier," and "the deployment wasn't a shock, but the departure time has come too fast."

Lt. Colonel Gregory Wooten addressed the farewell ceremony at Central Valley High School and said he is baffled at "how generation after generation volunteers to defend our country. [They] simply want to do what's right." Since the war is winding down in Afghanistan, some people wonder why we are sending these brave troopers into harm's way. Wooten said that "the 455th has been tasked to finish it up."

Numerous Bronze Stars and Purple Hearts were awarded to Bravo Company soldiers during their tour in Iraq. Bravo Company's fallen heroes, Staff Sergeant Coby Schwab and Corporal Kelly Grothe, are in a place of honor on the hallowed halls of the 455th and shall never be forgotten.

Jack Evensizer is a resident of Dalton Gardens.