SD Soldiers Deploy to Afghanistan
Local News
by
Adam Uhernik
last edited on
Wednesday, June 02, 2010
About 200 soldiers from the 196th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade of Sioux Falls are training in Ft. Hood Texas getting ready for a year long mission in Afghanistan.
Before the soldier’s deployment, they took part in an activation ceremony with family, friends, and employers all on hand to wish soldiers well.
“This is my third time deploying, so to me it's just another day at work, but it's the first time for the little ones. It’s going to be hard to be away from them for a year definitely," says Sgt. Klide Linker.
Sergeant Linker has three kids, the oldest is six.
“My oldest one was nine months old when I deployed the first time, so it's bringing back a lot of the same emotions, of knowing I’m going to miss a lot of things, lot of memories are going to be missed," says Linker.
An emotion many people there can likely relate to.
“Just under half of them this will be their second deployment we've got, the families have been through this, the community has been through this, but it's never the same thing twice," says Lt. Col. Rod Burmeister, commanding officer.
The 196th Brigade is a new unit. It was created just over a year ago.
Since then the men and woman involved have been training for the mission.
“They'll be operating as an area support group, command control over personal functions over 11 different bases in their actual area of operations," says Burmeister.
And while many soldiers say they are ready for the mission, many family members say it's hard to see loved ones leave.
Sgt. First Class Mike Weyrich says although it's a tough time, he knows he has a great team to count on while overseas.
“I've been in for 33 years so I know a lot of the people, and it's just working with other groups, and working with other people," says Weyrich.
A fact which brings a lot of comfort to many soldiers, including Sgt Linker.
“I'm actually excited to get over there, and start doing our job and get everything done and come home," Linker says.
And when he gets home, Linker says there will be a lot of catching up to do.
In the past, Sgt. Linker and his family have sent letters to each other to stay in touch.
This time, he says he will probably use Skype, so he will be able to see and talk with his daughters and wife over a computer video call.
Also representative, Brian Dreyer from Rapid City is part of the group; he resigned his seat in the legislature in order to serve his country.