Yesterday 50 soliders from the Curtis Bay unit deployed for training and a year-long assignment overseas. The unit's job requires them to support other units that are moving in and out of combat zones.
Before they left the unit gathered with family members on the driveway of the Army Reserve Center in Glen Burnie for a farewell ceremony. For some of these soldiers it will be their second or third deployment. These soldiers are participating in the third-longest war in our nation's history, next to the Revolutionary and Vietnam wars. However, this war is the only one being fought by an all-volunteer military.
Many family members spoke of the amount of pride they have for their family members who are serving their country. "I'm excited to go do the job, but it's tough leaving," said Maj. Bruce McLaughlin, a member of the unit.
I have a great amount of respect for anyone who has the courage to volunteer to serve their country and their families. We can never truly understand the sacrifices that they make and sometimes it does not seem like the troops get the amount of respect that they deserve.
According to the Baltimore Sun, the units last assignment, which was in 2005, assisted in the transfer and delivery of 8,000 vehicles, 3 million items valued at $400 million and 7,000 tons of ammunition.
