Webster based troops deploy to Iraq
By: WROC-TV
Updated: July 22, 2007
Troops from the 401st Civil Affairs Unit based in Webster are headed for Iraq. On Saturday nearly 60 servicemen and women said goodbye to their families as they boarded planes to prepare for the mission that lies ahead.
Soon, these goodbyes will be a distant memory.
"Everybody is scared, a little nervous about what we're walking in to," said Sgt. Chuck Cutler, 401st Civil Affairs Unit.
They're the 401st Civil Affairs Unit and now they're headed for Iraq.
"Our mission is to interface between the Army and the civilian populous and the governments as well as the humanitarian organizations over there," said Lt. Col. John Regan Walters, 401st Civil Affairs Unit.
For some, this is a giant leap in to the unknown. For others, it's a step back in to old familiar territory.
"As you go you always think you know what to expect, but everything changes. So it is always new experience," said Todd Travis, 401st Civil Affairs Unit.
It is a sentiment shared by those who stay behind.
"It's hard when they're away and when you watch the news and you see all the negative things that you see. At the same time, you just hope that they're safe and you're always thinking of them," said Katie Hansen, sister of deployed soldier.
Nearly 60 soldiers from the Webster based unit are being deployed. They're fathers, sisters and friends. But none of that matters when they're together, they're one.
"It's just total support here. I have not run across very much negativity. You know, you hear a lot of bad things, but I don't see it," said Travis.
While the 401st Civil Affairs Unit may seem small, it serves as a reminder of those who came before and those who are still on the battle ground, not just from Rochester, but across America.
"A lot of people ask me if I am scared or nervous. I just don't show that feeling," said Sgt. Michael Clemency, 401st Civil Affairs Unit.
The troops will first stop in Fort Bragg for training before heading to Iraq. Their tour of duty is expected to last about a year.
Soon, these goodbyes will be a distant memory.
"Everybody is scared, a little nervous about what we're walking in to," said Sgt. Chuck Cutler, 401st Civil Affairs Unit.
They're the 401st Civil Affairs Unit and now they're headed for Iraq.
"Our mission is to interface between the Army and the civilian populous and the governments as well as the humanitarian organizations over there," said Lt. Col. John Regan Walters, 401st Civil Affairs Unit.
For some, this is a giant leap in to the unknown. For others, it's a step back in to old familiar territory.
"As you go you always think you know what to expect, but everything changes. So it is always new experience," said Todd Travis, 401st Civil Affairs Unit.
It is a sentiment shared by those who stay behind.
"It's hard when they're away and when you watch the news and you see all the negative things that you see. At the same time, you just hope that they're safe and you're always thinking of them," said Katie Hansen, sister of deployed soldier.
Nearly 60 soldiers from the Webster based unit are being deployed. They're fathers, sisters and friends. But none of that matters when they're together, they're one.
"It's just total support here. I have not run across very much negativity. You know, you hear a lot of bad things, but I don't see it," said Travis.
While the 401st Civil Affairs Unit may seem small, it serves as a reminder of those who came before and those who are still on the battle ground, not just from Rochester, but across America.
"A lot of people ask me if I am scared or nervous. I just don't show that feeling," said Sgt. Michael Clemency, 401st Civil Affairs Unit.
The troops will first stop in Fort Bragg for training before heading to Iraq. Their tour of duty is expected to last about a year.
