30th Medical Brigade soldiers continue to deploy
February 26, 2003
Story and photos by Arthur McQueen, USAREUR Public Affairs
HEIDELBERG, Germany - A small group of soldiers from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 30th Medical Brigade, departed Heidelberg at daybreak Feb. 25, on their way to the Persian Gulf. There they will join members of the company already in place.
Early that morning, frost still decorated windshields in the hospital parking lot, but the energy level was high. Spec. Dae Kim said he was looking forward to deploying. "NCOs that were deployed to the desert before gave me tips. It's the leadership and good communication that makes you ready," said Kim, a personnel specialist.
Shuttling between the company arms room and the brigade conference room, soldiers quickly drew weapons, checked gear, signed forms, verified records, and collected Meals, Ready to Eat for the journey - the official part of deploying.
With preparations complete and bus loaded, the soldiers lingered over the unofficial part of deployment, saying goodbye to friends and loved ones. "I'm sad, but I know she has a mission to accomplish," said Sgt. Steve Covin, 26th Area Support Group, as he waved to his wife, Sgt. Evelyn Covin, the training NCO for the company. Evelyn gestured through the bus window that he needed to eat while she was away.
"It's the Army," said Capt. Matthew H. Smith, who has been married officially for a week and a day to 1st Lt. Meghan Brady of the 30th. "We're going to have a real wedding ceremony after this and bring over all of the family. Then we'll try to get stationed together."
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