Ephrata sends off 1161st

EPHRATA — Soldier Rick Garces was tearfully hugging members of his family after Saturday’s farewell ceremony for about 120 members of the 1161st Transportation Company.

Garces will soon begin a second deployment to Iraq with the Ephrata-based company. He spoke of his children, ages 5, 11 and 13, who will remain at home in Quincy while he’s away.

He’s also putting his college plans, at Central Washington University, on hold until he returns.

Some soldiers are deploying for the first time, like 21-year-old Donald Blair, said his mother Carolyn Blair of Othello.

Melissa Brown of Ephrata said it’s her husband’s second time with the unit and third time being deployed. They have one child together.

Christina Berry of Olympia, Wash., said she attended the ceremony for her brother-in-law with about six other relatives.

Her brother-in-law is deploying for the third time. He leaves behind a wife and two children, Berry said.

The family is handling the deployment well.

“Iraq’s getting a little better than it has been,” she commented

Hundreds of family members, friends and supporters filled Ephrata High School’s gym for the ceremony, which was followed by a parade to the Ephrata Armory.

Brig. Gen. Gordon Toney, of the Washington Army National Guard, thanked the soldiers for their duty and the families for their endurance. He gave recognition to veterans of foreign wars and all former military members.

He told the soldiers they were also veterans of the fire lines and the flood lines, mentioning the company’s work during the “Battle of Seattle,” the 1999 World Trade Organization protests.

Toney said they’re hearing good reports about Iraq and told the soldiers they will find a much different Iraq than before.

“(But) I know deployments like this can have extremes,” he warned.

Toney spoke of the soldiers carrying out the mission with clarity of purpose and placing the mission first.

Ephrata Mayor Pro Tem Bruce Reim said learning what needs to be done while the company is gone is truly a sacrifice.

“We thank you for your commitment to service,” Reim noted.

The book of John states there’s nothing greater than their sacrifice, Reim said.

He added that it’s an honor for the city to be associated with the 1161st.

Barb Lisk read a letter from Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash.

Hastings thanked the company and said the entire nation owes them a debt of gratitude for defending the freedoms they enjoy. He also called the company true American heroes.

Retired Col. Mike Pierce spoke of the company being twice recipients of Eisenhower awards and mentioned their work during the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens and their help during forest fires.

He called the group “citizen soldiers” and said they mastered their skills as mechanics and cooks.

Pierce also spoke of the National Guard’s transformation from the being support-based in the 1960s to globally-based today. The change happened after the terrorist attacks of 9/11.

Their mission in Iraq will be long, hot and dusty. He asked the company to rely on their leaders.

Pierce reminded the soldiers they’re not alone and said everyone is looking forward to their safe return.

Col. George Abbot said the soldiers will be going like they’re on a treadmill.

But time will stop when their arrive in Iraq. Every hour will last the full 60 minutes and emotions will run the full gamut.

Their training will get them through the fear and camaraderie will get them through their frustration, boredom and fear.

Abbot advised soldiers not to say anything they cannot take back and to respect each other.

Capt. Leslie Jines called Ephrata supportive and said he knows the families are well supported.

“We have an enduring friendship with this community,” he said.

Unit departure

The 1161st departure from the Grant County International Airport in Moses Lake changed and they will leave the Ephrata armory at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, according to Jane Montaney of the American Legion Auxiliary, Art Semro Unit 28.

It was originally set for Tuesday night.

“We of the American Legion family, Art Semro Post and Unit 28, encourage as many people as possible to come out and wish farewell and safe mission to the 1161st Transportation Company when they leave Ephrata,” stated Montaney.

With the unit’s trucks and equipment already in Iraq, the soldiers are riding buses from the armory on A Street in Ephrata to state Route 282, which turns into state Route 17, turning off at Randolph Road at Big Bend Community College, turning again at Patton Boulevard and heading toward the airport.

“If you do plan to stage yourself along the highway, remember that a vehicle cannot park on a shoulder unless it is disabled,” Montaney stated. “There are plenty of places (to park), where there are turn outs and turnoffs. Please make use of those areas.”

People are asked to wish the soldiers well at the armory or along the route.

“The terminal is off limits to the public. This is a private time for the soldiers and their families,” she stated.