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Fort Riley soldiers depart for CENTCOM

By Michael Watson

FORT RILEY, KAN. (Feb. 21, 2003)--Fort Riley's first active duty units deployed to an undisclosed location Sunday to support the war against terrorism.

Approximately 300 soldiers from the 937th Engineer Group, 82nd Medical Company and the 2nd Heavy Equipment Transport Platoon, 24th Transportation Company, received farewells from family, friends and fellow soldiers during two departure ceremonies Sunday morning at Hangar 817, Marshall Army Air Field.

This was the second time Sgt. David Shaia, 2nd HET, has left home. His wife, Alisha, said the first deployment was very emotional, but she said saying goodbye this time was not any easier.

"It makes it harder," she said. "He's been on multiple deployments in the last year, and it seems that he's been gone more than he's been here.

"When we were dating, he didn't go anywhere. But now that we are married and have a family, he's gone. So it definitely makes it harder to say goodbye, especially not knowing where he is going or when he will get back," Alisha said.

David said he is 100 percent prepared for this mission, so that part of the mission is not tough. He said the toughest thing will be missing his wife and two daughters, Erica, 4, and Juliana, 2.

"As young as the children are, they understand that I have to leave and will be gone for a while," he said. "It will be very hard to be away."

Pvt. Jordan Betbeze deployed for the first time on Sunday, but he said he is used to being away from his wife, Jackie, and daughter, Lisa, who will be three years old in April.

Jordan and Jackie have been married since August, but they have not been together two weeks total since their wedding day, he said.

"I don't want to leave home," he said. "It doesn't feel good, but we'll get used to it. There will be a lot of phone calls, and e-mails if I have access to it. I won't be able to call as often as I do now, but I will be on the phone whenever I get the chance."

Col. Frank Helmick, acting commander, 24th Infantry Division (Mech) and Fort Riley, spoke to the soldiers about the importance of their mission. He said the United States must win the war against terrorism.

"We cannot lose this war. We need to come back victorious, and we know you will. We will see you all upon return," he said.

The 24th Infantry Division (Mech) and Fort Riley officials will not speculate on future deployment of additional forces.