Five Warrior Medics set to deploy

06.04.2008

Story by Maj. John Heil 

332nd Medical Brigade

By Maj. John Heil
332nd Medical Brigade public affairs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Five Soldiers representing various 332nd Medical Brigade units, known as the Warrior Medics, were recognized during a mobilization ceremony at the William F. Lyell United States Army Reserve Center on May 16.

Family, friends and fellow Soldiers were in attendance to pay tribute to Lt. Col. Ronnie Williams, 7223rd Medical Company medical logistics officer from Pensacola, Fla., Sgt. 1st Class Julius Armstrong, 806th MED CO supply and administration non-commissioned officer from Decatur, Ga., Staff Sgt. Kathy Mahatha, 320th MED CO medical regulating operations NCO from Greensboro, NC, Sgt. Dehedrin Patterson, 5th MED personnel NCO from Birmingham, Ala., and Sgt. Francisco Osorio, 332nd MED BDE operations NCO from Murfreesboro, Tenn.

"They are my American heroes; our warrior citizens who leave family and work behind to serve our great country," said Brig. Gen. Margaret Wilmoth, 332nd MED BDE commander. "They are more than twice a citizen; they are American Heroes cut from the same cloth as General Washington and the patriots who helped birth our great country."

These Warrior Medics volunteered for at least a year-long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and will be based in Kuwait. "This is my first deployment," said Williams. "And I am excited to experience and learn new things."

Two Soldiers, Mahatha and Patterson, had previous deployment experience. "I served with the 82nd Airborne in 2005 and 2006," said Patterson. Mahatha said. "I deployed with the 332nd MED BDE in 1991."

"I'm a little nervous," said Armstrong who is embarking on his first deployment, "But I am looking forward to working with new people." Osorio said "I am excited for the adventure," while Patterson exclaimed "We got to do it, let's get it done."

Wilmoth praised the Soldiers families as well. "They too are walking in the footsteps of our founding families, who endured family separation for many years while our country was being secured."

As family and friends departed, five Warrior Medics set to deploy on their long journey to Kuwait by taking care of last minute details at home station before embarking on the journey they are currently on.

"These Soldiers exhibit the heart of the Army Reserve that continues to serve this great country," said 1st. Sgt. Erik Olafson, 332nd MED BDE first sergeant. "Any service member that steps off our shores demonstrates the selfless service that is respected throughout the armed services and the nation. We wish them safety and Godspeed while we hold them in our prayers."

• Date Taken: 06.04.2008
• Date Posted: 06.04.2008 14:55
• Story ID: 20115