Vicksburg's 412th Headed For Iraq!!!!!

Friends, family turn out to see 412th's mobilization
By Constance Anderson-White [4/17/06]

Tears and hearty handshakes were the theme Saturday morning as 24 soldiers left Vicksburg to embark on an 18-month tour of duty in Iraq.Friends and family members attended a mobilization ceremony for the 412th Engineer Command at the Morris Army Reserve on Porters Chapel Road.Maj. Kenneth Hoskins of Hollandale, who has been in the military for 21 years, had little to say as he hugged his family goodbye.His wife, Amye, and his sister, Katie Jones, did the talking.“I think it's time for this to be over, but I understand that it's his job,” Jones said.“I'm proud that he is committed to serving his country,” Amye Hoskins said. “I just hate to see him leave.”
The 412th is part of the U.S. Army Reserve and has members from Mississippi, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, Tennessee, Hawaii and New Mexico. The unit is headquartered in Vicksburg. It is one of two Engineer Command units in the United States.Maj. Gen. Robert J. Williamson, Commander of the 412th Engineer Command, lead Saturday's mobilization ceremony. He said the soldiers will be helping rebuild communities in Iraq.“We're supporting Iraqi freedom with engineering skills,” Williamson said. “We have soldiers from all professions, so our people are skilled in all different areas. We have nurses, construction workers, postal workers, as well as engineers.”The 412th will train in Texas before being deployed to Iraq. The soldiers' exact date of deployment is not known, Williamson said.
Family members drove from all over Mississippi and as far away as Texas to support their loved ones at Saturday's ceremony.“All we can do is stay prayerful,” said Jeanette McClinton, mother of Staff Sgt. Jessica Harvey. “We are a family with a lot of faith.“This is what Jess decided to do, so we're going to support her. We are going to be there for her. I know that God will take care of her,” she said.The 412th received notice of deployment in August 2005.That same month, 31 other members of the unit were deployed to Iraq. Saturday's ceremony marked the fifth mobilization of the unit since the War on Terrorism began.

Vicksburg Soldiers Head for Iraq
by Gene Adamsgene@wlbt.net

Tearful hugs of farewell and best wishes for a safe return filled the Army Reserve Center in Vicksburg, where members of the 412th Engineer Command prepared to leave their families Saturday for duty in Iraq.
"If the country calls us we have to step up to the plate and be soldiers, so this is my opportunity to do this," said Lieutenant Colonel Neil Thomas.
Thomas and his wife Lisa are already counting down until the 18 month tour of duty will be complete.
"I thought I was ready for this moment, but I don't guess you really are," said Lisa Thomas, "I'm proud of him and know he'll do a great job and come home."
Thoughts of a safe homecoming kept families smiling, although tissue boxes circulated through the crowd as time to say goodbye drew closer.
"We're proud but also very sad, but we have faith in the Lord that he's going to bring her home," said Janice carr-Stafford, saying goodbye to Second Lieutenant Dawn Harrison.
Through their tears, soldiers remain committed to their duty. "We are going to help people," said Harrison, "This is a country that probably doesn't have the same quality of life that we have over here, so we're going over to improve their life and make things better for them."
All 24 soldiers are part of the Engineer Command, serving throughout Iraq to rebuild communities. But soldiers say they will not be working alone. They are depending on the support of family and friends to get through their mission.
"They have our heartfelt thanks and gratitude for their support to these soldiers because without them we would not have a Reserve force to protect our country," said Major General Rob Williamson.
After final good byes, soldiers loaded onto a bus headed out of town for training in Texas. Families cheered them on their way with prayers for a safe return. The soldiers will train in Texas before deployment.