MWCS-48 reservists deploy
USMC News
Story Identification Number: 2003321173611
Story by Sgt. A.C. Strong
MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR(March 20, 2003) -- Mere hours before the 5 p.m. deadline set by Pres. George W. Bush Monday, approximately 80 recently activated Marine reserves departed Marine Corps Air Station Miramar.
Tears and well-wishes followed the Marine Wing Communications Squadron 48 Marines Wednesday, as they boarded buses and headed off to March Air Reserve Base, from where they would fly to Central Command Area of Responsiblity in support of the Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Foremost on the minds of many of the family and friends present for the farewell was the thought that their Marines were headed out just as actual war was imminent.
A sea of cameras from local broadcast media caught many of the touching farewells on tape, as was the case with Sgt. Patrick Fox, data communications chief, and his children. With maturity beyond her years, his daughter discussed candidly how she felt about "Daddy" going overseas. Minutes later, however, watching him board a bus, her mom led her away and handed her the 'Care Bear' her father purchased to "save all your hugs and kisses."
"I'm supporting my husband," said Stephanie Cerna, wife of Sgt Jesus Cerna, who according to his spouse, is an MWCS-48 mechanic. "I told him, 'Go over there, do what you have to do and come home.'"
Those sentiments were shared by many present, however, family members were comforted with the knowledge that they have the support of Miramar's Operation Enduring Families program and the command.
"The unit's family readiness officer already contacted us," said William Holland, father of Cpl. William Huisman, communications technician, MWCS-48. "So we have some concern, but feel good overall."
The squadron will forward deploy to assist with communications for the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing of the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force.
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