LSA ANACONDA, Iraq (Army News Service, April 7, 2005) -- More than 70 Soldiers of the Washington National Guard's 81st Brigade Combat Team volunteered to remain in Iraq after their comrades returned home.

These veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom II are sharing their skills and knowledge with the 29th Brigade Combat Team of Hawaii, which assumed the missions of the 81st Brigade in February.

Army offers 2nd tour

During OIF II, the Army offered Soldiers the opportunity to remain in theater for another tour. The 81st BCT and 29th BCT struck an agreement that the Soldiers who remained would stay with the 29th.

"I put on this uniform because I believe that individuals have an obligation to serve something greater than themselves," said. Spc. Jayson Howell, who remained in Iraq with the 29th BCT. "I still have more to give, so I stayed."

Howell had served as a member of the Quick Reaction Force of the 81st BCT on Logistics Support Area Anaconda.

"I'm earning the right to wear our nation's flag on my uniform," said Pvt. Andrew Merchain. "I am willing to protect it and stand with all those who came and have done the very same before me."

Soldiers overcame doubts

Spc. Jason Haack, who served as an administrative NCO with HHC 81st BCT, now works in the G-1 of the 29th BCT. He admitted to having some doubts about his decision.

"After the last of the 81st BCT left, I felt like, 'Oh, man, what have I done? Am I nuts,'" said Haack, who left behind a wife with whom he was hoping to start a family, but it will have to wait for his return next year.

Pfc. Novel Harris agreed, "Sometimes it seems like a long road."

Some never wanted to leave

At the opposite end of the spectrum was Spc. Jonathan Laureles, who felt upon arrival he belonged so much he told his buddies he wanted to stay for another tour. His friends told him to wait a few months to see if he still felt the same way. He waited and still wanted to stay. Even now, at the beginning of his second tour, he is considering a third.

Staff Sgt. Robert Caver promised his Soldiers if they wanted to stay for an additional year, he would stay with them. He also extended the promise again this tour.

The Soldiers that remained were required to complete Contingency Operation Temporary Tour of Active Duty packets before transferring to the 29th BCT; however, there is no guarantee the packets will be approved.

Incentives not the reason for most

If approved, the Soldiers are eligible to receive an additional $1,000 per month for 179 days beyond their original orders. Most of the Soldiers will not be eligible for the additional income until about halfway through their second tour. Conversely, other Soldiers will not likely reach that status during this deployment as they arrived late in the deployment of the 81st BCT.

Soldiers like Spc. Noel Ramey, who arrived in theater late during the 81st BCT's deployment, will only spend a total of about 18 months in theater.

Some of the Soldiers have volunteered twice for the deployment. Sgt. Jonathan Spatig served as the battalion sergeant major's driver and as a door gunner during OIF II. He was an interstate transfer from Arizona to deploy with the 81st BCT and volunteered to stay for a second tour.

"At first," he said, "the motivation was financial, but because of my years of service, I was not entitled to any re-enlistment bonuses. I don't mind though and I feel good about what the United States is doing for Iraq. My family supported my decision."

Families support their decision

The Soldiers all shared that their families and friends were supportive of their decision, although the initial reactions were similar: "Some think it's a little crazy, but they give me their full support none the less," shared Staff Sgt. Robert Carver, formerly of Company B 1/161st Infantry in Baghdad and now serving with Task Force Konohiki at LSA Anaconda.

Ten Soldiers of the 81st BCT that remained for the second tour were assigned to Task Force Konohiki to share their skills with the Soldiers of the 210th Battalion, 4th Brigade of the Iraqi National Guard. In their new roles, they are training the Iraqi Soldiers in more advanced Soldiering skills, building on the lessons learned during OIF II under the leadership of Task Force Chinook of the 81st BCT.

TF Konohiki keeps vets together

The Soldiers appreciate the opportunity to serve together with other extension volunteers as it continues their camaraderie as second-year veterans.

"Each Soldier from the 81st BCT brings with them highly valued experience and lessons learned from his previous year spent in the OIF theater. This experience has enhanced the overall proficiency across our Task Force as a whole," said Maj. Robert Harris, commander of Task Force Konohiki.

The Task Force is the military transition team advising the Iraqi Army. The U.S. Soldiers have two roles in the Task Force: serving alongside the Iraqis in force protection, providing security in and around the Logistics Support Area; and providing guidance and advice to the Iraqi army.

(Editor's note: Lt. Col. Harry González and 2nd Lt. Connie Woodyard serve with the Washington Army National Guard.)