Answering the call: Multimedia coverage of the 32nd "Red Arrow" Brigade

Tears, laughter flow as Guard unit leaves for training

By BETH BURGER, Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers

VOLK FIELD — Family members and friends waved a sea of miniature American flags on Aug. 13 at Volk Field military air base as they watched nearly 450 National Guard soldiers board planes to Camp Shelby, Miss.

Members of the 1st Battalion 120th Field Artillery Regiment and their supporters spent the day together under pitched tents and in folding chairs after listening to a 20-minute ceremony that included a salute from two F-16 jets flying overhead.

During the ceremony, soldiers stood at attention dressed in their battle dress uniforms, or BDUs, and wore solemn expressions as speakers recognized their service. In one of Wisconsin's largest single deployments since the war in Iraq started, the regiment will train in Mississippi, then provide security in Kuwait.

"You soldiers take care of each other, and we will take care of your families here. We will see you in a year," said Brig. Gen. Kerry Denson of the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

Capt. Brian Dieckhoff paints camouflage on the face of his son, Elliott, 6, during an Aug. 13 send-off for 450 National Guard troops in the 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery Regiment. Tom Loucks/Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers

Lt. Col. Gary Skon, battalion commander for the regiment, said the unit would live up to its history and reputation even though the soldiers had been called up to perform a security force mission - something they have never done before.

"This is a day mixed with emotion, anticipation and excitement," Skon said. "I will do my best to protect your soldiers and keep you informed of their well-being."

Tears and laughter were common as families enjoyed each other's company, savoring precious moments.

Women wore sunglasses on an overcast and cloudy day with tears rolling down their cheeks as they watched soldiers take formation behind a restricted line with their black carry-on bags, preparing to board the planes.

As soldiers walked away, a brave front on their faces broke down as their lips trembled and other family members comforted the wives.

First sergeants called roll as families continued to wave to loved ones they won't see for more than a year, except for a brief leave from training.

As Charlie Battery began its roll call, each soldier answered, "Here, First Sergeant."

One soldier responded to his name by stating, "I hate to fly," moments before boarding the plane.

After listing several soldiers with the last name Miller, the first sergeant turned to the crowd and called "Miller beer?" to the crowd.

When asked if they were ready to go, the men answered, "Hooah!" which means yes.

Staff Sgt. Wayne Munro, 35, of Wisconsin Rapids hugged his family close to him. His 9-year-old stepson clutched his leg as Munro told his wife that he loved her.

Munro came back a second time after roll call to see his family off.

"I'm ready to go over, but I'm not ready to leave my family. I feel like I'm going and I'm losing this over here to win a war over there," he said.

He soon turned to leave with a long winding line of soldiers boarding the plane.

Some boarded the plane and continued to wave until they were out of sight. Others said their goodbyes and turned, never looking back.

"That was the hardest thing I've ever had to do," said Candy Munro, 35, as she left Volk Field and watched the plane take flight.

Family members were armed with cameras to capture every passing moment before their soldier was called to board the plane.

Spc. Joshua Zenner, 21, of Colby recently graduated from Northcentral Technical College in Wausau. His family wore black T-shirts that read, "I love you Josh" and "Support Our Troops."

"I've been ready to go for a long time," Zenner said. "I think everyone has to do it at least once. You've got do to something."

His mother, Judy Zenner, 54, of Colby, was one of many family members at his side.

"We're all really proud of him. I think he's wanted to be a soldier since he was a little boy. We are going to miss him very much," she said. "He told me before leaving, `Mom, I'm just going to do my work, and I'll be home soon.'"

Spc. Lucas Worzalla, 19, of Stevens Point trained with the headquarters unit in Wisconsin Rapids and soon will be a member of the Alpha battery.

"It's important (to go) because we have a mission to accomplish," Worzalla said as he stood with his sister and father.

Worzalla said he is glad the regiment has not been assigned to a hot spot.

"I feel better that it's not as hostile of an environment," he said, but added, "It wouldn't matter where they send us, whether it's Kuwait or somewhere else, we're still going to be gone for a year. It's still being away from family and friends."

His sister, Lindsey Stroik, 22, of Stevens Point, stood by his side taking pictures and made a sign with an American flag that read "We love you, Lucas."

"I'm going to miss him very much," Stroik said. "Who's going to be my come-along-with guy?"

Sally Trubee, 53, of Marshfield has two sons. Both of them are with the 120th in Marshfield's Alpha Battery and will be stationed in Kuwait together over the next year.

She is confident that both of her sons will come back home to her.

"I just think that they are prepared. They worked very hard for this day. We have a lot of people saying prayers for them," she said. "They'll be fine and be back before you know it."

Spc. Elliot Trubee, 20, of Marshfield sat in a folding chair with his girlfriend, Autumn McKeel, 19, of Boyd in his lap.

Trubee said he enlisted in the Guard to serve his country, help pay for college and continue a family tradition of military service.

"I think we have a good group of guys going to Camp Shelby," he said. "There, we'll get trained on a lot of stuff."

Spc. Randall Lockman Jr., 20, of Wisconsin Rapids left behind a girlfriend and a 6-month-old baby. His family wore bright yellow T-shirts with "Lockman" written on the back.

He said he signed up because he thinks it's every young man's responsibility.

"It would be easier for me to leave now than when she gets older," he said, referring to his daughter.

His father, Randy Lockman Sr., 49, of Nekoosa, had mixed emotions about his son leaving.

"I don't know if what we're doing over there is right. All I can do is trust the guys over there calling the shots," said Lockman, who retired from the 120th and served in the military for 26 years. "I'm proud of my son for stepping up and accepting responsibility. But as a father, I'm worried if it's worth the sacrifice our guys are all making. That's a long 18 months to be away from home.

"He just had a little girl six months ago. She won't know him until he comes home."