Photo By Staff Sgt. Matthew Gunther | New York Army National Guard Sgt Andrew Valenza (right) is joined by his parents,...... read more read more
Deploying with the New York Army National Guard's 42nd Infantry Division is a family thing for three members of the Valenza family from Queensbury, N.Y.
Maj. Julie Valenza, her husband Sgt. 1st Class William Valenza, and their youngest son, Sgt. Andrew Valenza are currently all conducting mobilization training at Fort Hood, Texas, with the other 600 members of the division headquarters to prepare for a deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield.
The 42nd Infantry Division, nicknamed the "Rainbow" Division since it was formed from a collection of state National Guard units in World War I, is scheduled to assume command of the almost 10,000 Army land forces in the region as part of a Department of Defense mission to deter aggression.
Lt. Col. Mark Frank, the deputy personnel officer for the New York Army National Guard, said that seeing this many family members deploy on one mission is "rare."
He's seen husbands and wives deploy together, or siblings serving, but to have this many family members heading downrange at once is unusual, Frank said.
For the Valenzas military service is a truly a family affair. Their oldest son Mitchell, a graduate of West Point, is currently deployed to Afghanistan, and their daughter Camille recently commissioned as an artillery second lieutenant in the New York Army National Guard. Camille is staying home minding the store while the rest of the family is away.
“Selfless service and dedicated service is something we all value and share,” said Andrew, the youngest of the squad.
Julie, also known as mom, works as a Physician’s Assistant (PA) in the division’s surgeon section. She joined the New York Army National Guard in 2010 and works at a Latham, N.Y. medical practice in civilian.
When she puts her uniform on she does the same thing for the division's Soldiers.
“I assist with the management of medical issues for our troops”, Julie said. “It is both an honor and a pleasure to be deploying with my husband and son,” she added.
As a medical provider she will only be away from home for six months. Her husband and son will be deployed for the entire 11-month tour.
After a 15 year break in service William, a Civil Affairs non-commissioned officer re-enlisted in the National Guard in 2009. He had served in the National Guard for six years but got out to pursue a civilian career in emergency services and law enforcement.
When he re-enlisted he was serving as a captain in the Glens Falls, N.Y. police department. Will Valenza retired as chief of the department in 2014. He said he's looking forward to the overseas deployment.
“Working in the Civil Affairs section is very rewarding,” William said. “In a way they are the face of the Army. The Civil Affairs section is a direct link between the host nation and the Army working closing with the Department of State, relief organizations, and both government and non-government organizations,” he added.
For the past year the family has been preparing to deploy knowing that they will most likely be in several different countries.
“I am very fortunate to be deploying with my family,” William said. “Other Soldiers are not as lucky and have to leave their families behind.”
“I would have to say that it is less difficult in some respects than going on my own,” added Julie, who deployed to Afghanistan in 2012.
“When I left before on my last deployment to the Middle East, Will was home with three teenagers having to do everything for them, all while dealing with his own emotions of us being apart," she said.
Andrew, a Public Affairs NCO with the 42nd, just turned 21 years old and completed his bachelor’s degree early to volunteer for the deployment.
“This is definitely exciting, deploying with my family,” he said. “This is a great opportunity to grow, not only as a Soldier but also as a leader."
“Chances like this are very rare,” Andrew said. “I know the next year will be tough but it will make it easier being able to see my family throughout the deployment.” he added.
Deployments are always hard on a Soldier for one reason or another, and leaving behind family is usually one of them, Julie said. They are grateful to be able to go through the process together this time.
| Date Taken: | 02.09.2020 |
| Date Posted: | 02.09.2020 10:11 |
| Story ID: | 362303 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 327 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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