Guard prepares to deploy nearly 1,000

by Elysia Conner
Tuesday, January 6, 2009 1:40 PM MST

The largest mobilization in the history of the Wyoming Army National Guard is underway.

More than 940 soldiers are preparing to leave for bases in Kuwait and Iraq. Of those, 102 are from Natrona County.

Following pre-mobilization training in April in Fort Hood, Texas, they will begin their 12-month deployment.

Wyoming's 115th Fires Brigade will command more than 2,400 soldiers from units from Wyoming, Colorado, Alabama, Minnesota, South Dakota and Wyoming as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"The soldiers will provide management oversight and force protection of several forward operating bases, as well as convoy security in and out of Iraq," according to a release from the Wyoming National Guard Public Affairs Office.

Family life in the military

The Hamiltons have been there before, when William was deployed about six years ago. His job includes helping with the logistics for the brigade and the battalion.

His wife, Daniella, represents the Family Assistance Center in Casper, one of five strategically placed throughout the state to help all Department of Defense employees and their families.

This time, their two boys, Aldric, 11, and David, 10, have a much better understanding of the situation, along with more complex feelings and ways to express them.

"They are proud and scared," Daniella said.

Last time, they found out about the deployment only a few days in advance.

"It was a whirlwind and then they left," Daniella said.

She pointed out that the longer notice this time has both advantages and disadvantages in adjusting and preparing.

The soldiers are getting ready for their duty as their families prepare for theirs.

"We have a lot of training to accomplish before we leave," William said, explaining that the soldiers must be certified in several areas.

As before, the Internet will be their primary way to keep in touch from across the world. Daniella said they may get Web cameras this time. Phone calls are rare, but sometimes possible.

"They will have their own time with dad," Daniella said about the boys, now able to communicate with him more actively.

Before, they could only ask about him, and were happy to hear he was doing well. This time, they know all about e-mail, she added.

Daniella is friends with other soldiers' wives. Having someone to talk with who understands what they go through is helpful, she said. Mutual venting is sometimes another good way to cope.

William has been in the military for 22 years. He served for four years as a Marine before joining the Army Reserves.

He then joined the National Guard, serving part time for 3-1/2 years before he became a full-time Active National Guard Reserve in 1995.

William comes from a line of those with military careers. His youngest son, David, is interested in following in his family's footsteps.

Daniella has worked for the Family Assistance Center since William's first deployment. The state was just starting up the program at the time.

Her duties include contacting families on a regular basis and helping with any problems, from water heaters blowing up to family emergencies.

The advice that the Hamiltons give other families of the deployed is to not be afraid to ask for help if you need it, stay in contact with other families and keep busy -- but not too busy.

"That's part of being in the military," Daniella said about her husband and the many other in Wyoming and around the country who deal with the same issues.

Support for the community

This is the largest single-unit mobilization in the Wyoming National Guard's history, affecting 38 percent.

It does not affect their ability to respond to state emergencies.

All 17 armories will remain open and ready to serve as community centers and emergency shelters.

Those deployed will perform missions in and around Kuwait and Iraq to ensure coalition forces are protected, properly equipped and adequately housed.

One reason for the large deployment is that the National Guard isn't breaking up units, but taking brigades as a whole, according to William.

More than 40 volunteers of Wyoming's Employer Support for the Guard Reserve Committee are prepared to help civilian employers with answers to questions about their rights and responsibilities.

For more information, visit www.wy.ngb.army.mil or call the Wyoming National Guard Public Affairs Office at 307-772-5253.

How to help

* Help a National Guard unit host a family get-together. Contact Stacie Alford at 307-256-1421.

* Donate your handyman services to a family in need or provide military discounts. Contact Dave Stephans at 307-287-9473.

* Sign a Statement of Support showing your business supports the military. Contact Laura Jeffrey at 307-772-5376.

* Hire a soldier. Contact Becki Hunter at 307-772-5942.

* Learn more about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Contact Bob Bragg at 307-359-3856 or Ronda Brauberger at 307-256-3280.

* Help host monthly events for local families. Contact Debbie Russell at

307-772-5109.

* Help host youth activities. Contact Robin Gorsuch at 307-772-5018.

* Help organize a Wyoming National Guard Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program event. Call Tiff Thomson at 307-772-5933.

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