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FRG Bids Farewell to 3rd BCT
2Lt. Christopher Smith and 2Lt. Jason Scaife
B Co. 1-27th IN FSO A
Co. 1-27th IN FSO
HICKAM AIR FORCE BASE —
Schofield Barracks is almost a ghost town now due to a recent deployment of
25th Infantry Division (ID) Soldiers to Iraq in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom. Training exercises had been underway for months
preparing the Soldiers of 3rd Brigade Combat Team deploying to
Iraq. Preparations had included several collective training events to
Family Readiness Group Seminars ensuring Soldiers and their families were
ready for the August 6th departure from Hickam Air Force Base.
The 3rd Brigade
Combat Team, also known as the Bronco Brigade, last deployed in March 2004
to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. The Bronco Brigade
was deployed for thirteen months and returned in June 2005
As the deployment was
underway, the Family Readiness Group with Mrs. Yuko O’Reilly from 1-27th
Infantry Regiment, also known as the Wolfhound FRG, had joined forces with
the 3rd Brigade Combat Team’s Family Readiness Group and the USO
on August 6th. The combined forces focused on the morale of the
deploying Soldiers. They boosted the Soldiers morale by demonstrating that
the folks back home care for each and every one of them. Soldiers had a
sense of pride that their loved ones came together.
“It was great talking with
soldiers and to see the many that were in great spirits, uplifted, and
motivated to accomplish their mission. The USO provides a listening ear, a
vote of confidence and boost of morale to the soldiers and many who are
single soldiers or without family here in Hawaii. I believe that this type
of support greatly benefits the soldiers to maintain their focus on the
mission knowing that the FRG volunteers and here to support them and their
families. It’s comforting to know others are praying for you and reassuring
when we are able to identify with each other,” said Mrs. Relisa Wilson, the
senior advisor for the Wolfhound FRG.
The Family Readiness Group’s
function is to assist the Commander with information dissemination to the
families of deploying Soldiers. In keeping with this tradition and the goal
of supporting the Soldiers, the Wolfhound Family Readiness Group went to
Hickam Air Force Base.
The Wolfhound Family
Readiness Group assisted in serving food and drinks to the Soldiers as they
were boarding planes bound for Iraq. This was done so family members of the
deploying Soldiers could cherish their last moments together before watching
the plane head off into the horizon.
“The Family Readiness Group
of 1-27th Infantry Regiment supported the 3rd Brigade
Combat Team as they boarded planes at Hickam, for a year long deployment.
We did so by serving pizza, cookies and juice/water and sending Soldiers off
with a smile as we thanked them for their service. Deployment is tough on
families and the Wolfhound FRG stepped in to be of assistance to the 3rd
Brigade FRG so they could say good bye to their loved ones, while we took
care of the Soldiers before they board the planes,” said Mrs. Work, a member
of the Wolfhound FRG.
Soldiers of 2nd
Stryker Brigade Combat Team are now in preparation to follow their brothers
in arms to Iraq in the coming future. The Wolfhound Family Readiness Group
is stepping up their operations to prepare for the future deployment of
their loved ones. Future events will be scheduled at the company level to
begin distribution of information to the families.
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