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Show -NEWS- Covering what matters most Spanish Fork WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13, 2007 • B5 FOR THE 1 4 5 T H Duty calls: From 145th • A l First Lieutenant Justin Christensen, Charlie Battery Commander. During the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake, the 145th received invaluable training and played an important role in crowd control while stationed in Tooele County as part of Operation Noble Eagle. That first deployment, he said, was an exercise. That training and adaptability is important to the role they must now play. "I wish we could go as an artillery battalion, however our unit, by its nature is flexible," said Sergeant First Class Shaun Harris, the Battery's Readiness NCO. "And we are anxiously anticipating our opportunity to play our part." Sergeant Rob Taylor grew up in Spanish Fork. Even though he has lived over two hours away for the last 12 years, Taylor continues to commute and train with Charlie Battery, and has no problems with the unit's change in mission. "I'm excited about it," he said. "I've been doing field artillery for the last 17 years. It's nice to have a change." But this father of two is not flippant about a yearlong tour \ of duty in a hostile country. He understands what is being asked of him and is prepared. "As a family, we've been ready for it," Taylor said. "We knew [a call-up] was going to happen and we're willing." Married one month ago, Sergeant Jim Nielson said of the deployment, "I think everybody is - eager isn't the word - anxious to go and get it done," he said. Specialist Mark Pickett is a mailman and father of two. To help him explain to his small children, ages six and four, why he must leave, he showed them a Sesame Street video prepared by the army.' It isn't easy to go, he said, but he believes he is serving for the right reasons. "I was taught to love this country, that's why X joined," Pickett said. "My father taught me to place my hand on my heart and what that means. I felt it was my job to give something back." As the Readiness NCO, SFC Harris "must ensure that the unit is ready for mobilization." That means training, equipment and personnel. "Leaving family and employment are the two biggest 'issues soldiers face/' Harris said. "I know that leaving my family is the hardest thing I have to do. Thankfully, in Utah, most employers are very supportive of soldiers and their families." "All the little things help," Lt. Christensen said. "Cities help with utilities. Employers supplement pay. It goes a long way." Businesses have stepped up as well, said First Sergeant Greg Ludlow of Spa'nish Fork. "Financial institutions offer lower or zero percent interest for soldiers," he said. "Many take a substantial cut in pay to serve, so these small things are very helpful to families." And so, the soldiers of Charlie Battery put their affairs in order, and kissed their families and friends goodbye. But not before the community could say farewell. On Monday, June 11, the south Utah County communities of' Spanish Fork, Springville, Payson, Mapleton, Salem, Santaquin, Woodland Hills, Elk Ridge, Goshen and Saataquin united on Main Street in Spanish Fork for a hero's send-off. Atop fire trucks from myriad towns, the soldiers of the 145th were paid respects from hundreds of community members and family, come to wish them well. "I'm very proud of you guys," veteran and fellow artilleryman Thad Jensen said. "You will be in our hearts, in our minds, and in our prayers." Veteran Steve Wilson, Mayors Lane Henderson and Joe Thomas and Commander Justin Christensen also spoke at the short program in the unit's honor. "I am my soldiers are honored for what you continually do for us," Christensen said. When asked what average citizens can do, he replied, "The biggest moral boosters are care packages. Mail is huge, even a simple card to show support." "Spanish Fork is a great community - very supportive," said Sgt. Jim Nielson, "But it can become more personalized. ^ Write letter to a soldier." Making it personal, he said, can make a world of difference. "I once received a plastic bag with a folded flag inside. A student from an elementary school sent it with a note," said SFC Harris. "Knowing that the community is thinking of us is how we know the community supports us. Far and wide, local communities have been very supportive of the military. I really like the support we get here." |