May peace be inside all...please may we find peace....Cindy
For 6th time in 4 years, West Palm Marine unit begins long trip to Iraq
WEST PALM BEACH -- For the sixth time in less than four years, a small band of young U.S. Marines left a small reserve center across the street from Palm Beach International Airport early Thursday to start a long journey to the war in Iraq. All stood erect and proud, and most were dry-eyed.
But they left torrents of tears in their wake.
"We love you, Carter," cried one of many in a group of family and friends who got up well before dawn to say farewell to Carter Allen, 22-year-old Palm Beach Gardens resident motivated to enlist after the 9-11 attacks. He is among 29 Marines with the 4th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO) who left Thursday from a unit that has been tapped six times since the war began in March 2003.
Some of those who began an expected six-month deployment were making a third trip to the war zone.
"He's a little scared. We're all scared," said Allen's mother, Cheryl Baker, 52, a manager with the Palm Beach County school system, as she struggled for composure. Her son was making his first trip to Iraq. "But some things are out of our contro," she said. "I have faith in God."
While some parents worried about the safety and mission of their marines, company First Sgt. Steve Rice said all were volunteers, chosen from many more who wanted to go to Iraq. "Everybody is chomping at the bit to get over there," said Rice.
The unit's mission is to direct fire, calling in mortar, artillery and air strikes on enemy targets. None of the Reserve unit's marines or sailors havebeen killed in Iraq, said Rice, but four have been wounded in prior tours of duty.
Posts
