115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

Story by Spc. Kirby Rider

CENTRAL POINT, Ore. – Soldiers from the Oregon Army National Guard bid farewell to family and friends during a mobilization ceremony in Central Point, Ore., May 4.

Soldiers from 1st Battalion, 186th Infantry Regiment, 41st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Oregon Army National Guard, participated in a ceremony to honor the troops mobilizing for a deployment to Iraq and give them a last farewell to family and friends before leaving for mobilization training.

The 41st IBCT, just arriving from training in California, will leave for 60-days of training in Georgia, to prepare the unit for their mission in Iraq.

"This is our pre-deployment ceremony where the community turns out and welcomes us and sends us off with their best wishes and prayers for our safety and success during this deployment," said Lt. Col Ron Mckay, Battalion Chaplin for the 1st Bn, 186 Inf. "I think this is the culminating event of our deployment training, and the families are coming out to show their support"

During the ceremony, members from the Southern Oregon Scottish Bagpipe Band, the Oregon Army National Guard Band and country singer Kristy Lee Cook performed for the troops and families.

"Being in front of the soldiers means a lot to me since my dad is a veteran and I love my country and everyone who fights for my country," Cook said. "I hope they come home safely and any time I can be part of anything for our country it's a great opportunity."

More than 1,200 members from the community and family members came together to show their support for the soldiers leaving and to have one last look at their loved ones before their year apart begins.

"The soldiers appreciate all of the support they get from the community, said Lt. Col. Greg Day, Commander of the battalion. "It's sad to be leaving, but it marks the end of our time here before training."

It was an emotional ceremony for many family members as the realization of what would happen started to sink in, however most Soldiers have been preparing their families for this moment and helping them understand what their job entails.

"[My family is] upset because they don't want their dad and husband to be gone," said Spc. Joshua Graves, a medic in Company A, 1st Bn, 186 Inf. "They understand what has to happen and being a citizen soldier, or national guards-member. Obviously we train so were ready to go anytime."

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