Article published in The Monitor, Fort Bliss, Texas about B-Btry 2-43 AMD

2-43 AMD departs for CENTCOM mission

The Monitor • Jan. 10, 2008 • 3

SGT. JONATHAN MONTGOMERY

11th ADA Bde. Public Affairs

A cold but clear night greeted Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air and Missile Defense as they boarded a trans-Atlantic flight Dec. 30 at Biggs Army Airfield here.   The unit headed to the U.S. Central Command theater of operations in support of operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism.  Once on the ground, they will set a timeline to conduct relief-in-place operations and a transfer of authority with their sister unit, 3rd Bn., 43rd Air Defense Artillery, which began establishing a footprint in 2006.

“This battalion has done a great job of preparing for this deployment,” said Brig. Gen. Robert H. Woods, commanding general of 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, before their departure. “Your (Mission Rehearsal Exercise) results reflect that.”   Woods charged veteran deployed Soldiers with the “implied task” of watching out for those Soldiers who  were embarking on their first deployment experience.  He also asked Soldiers to apply the same discipline and concern they trained for while going to sustain an AMD theater presence and to trust in the command climate set by their commanders and first sergeants.  

Maj. Frank Nieto, 2-43 AMD executive operations officer, said the unit was mentally prepared to respond to the many kinds of contingency missions that might arise downrange.  “This unit is definitely trained, ready and motivated to focus on the combatant commander’s call on us to provide seamless and accurate air defense fires,” he said. “There is not a doubt in my mind they will do an outstanding job on their deployment.”

Over the past seven months, the Patriot unit, which also houses an Avenger battery, has undergone several changes including the establishment of new crews, maintenance policies and posturing coinciding with an increased operational tempo and “tremendous” amounts of training toward technical and tactical proficiency, said Nieto.  “This transformation has been an important achievement in the air defense-centric mindset,” he said. “We bring a unique and perishable skill set to the plate, which takes a lot to get correct.”  Prior to being bussed to the airfield, the Soldiers spent some last-minute time with their families and friends at Stout Physical Fitness Center.

Representatives from Army Community Service, along with Family Readiness Group leaders, were also on hand to provide pre-deployment tools and knowledge to spouses and children.  “One of the questions my kids ask me is why I have to go,” said 1st Lt. Mark Nettles, F Company maintenance officer. “I tell them we’re doing something for somebody else, and they understand that takes sacrifice.”  He and his wife Sharon, F Co.’s FRG leader, sat down with their three young boys to sift through deployment books and explain, for instance, why next Christmas “Dad’s not going to be here.”  “We know how difficult this (15- month separation) is,” said Nettles.  “Your kids do a lot of growing up during that time.”

For Spc. Kyle Becker of E Battery and his wife Bri, the deployment parallels the long-distance relationship they had when they were dating.   “I’m strong enough to handle it,” said Bri, referring back to how they made their relationship work when she lived in California and he in Texas before they got married. “We’re very emotionally in tune with each other.”  “Saying goodbye to her is definitely the hardest,” said Kyle, whose battery left Dec. 26 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. “It’s the only part that really gets to you.”

Once Sgt. Gina Mercado of the unit’s Headquarters Battery arrives in theater, she said she plans on catching up on school by taking classes leading toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.  But she’s counting most on those on the ground serving alongside her for emotional support during the lengthy tour.  “My friends are going to become my family over there,” said Mercado.  “They’re going to be going through the same hardships I’m going through for 15 months.”

SGT. JONATHON MONTGOMERY

 Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 43rd Air and Missile Defense, board a flight

at Biggs Army Airfield Dec. 30. The unit is headed to the U.S. Central

Command theater of operations in support of the Global War on

Terrorism.