'We'll take care of the home front, and he'll take care of the Army, our country.'
As troops leave, families seek ways to cope
War on terrorism: Mission to Afghanistan 'is absolutely critical
As Oklahoma troops leave, families seek ways to cope

By Jessica Jackson Comments 2
Published: July 21, 2008

Thirty-six soldiers left Oklahoma City on Sunday to help train Afghanistan army drill sergeants. The soldiers of Detachment 53 of the 95th Division of the U.S. Army Reserve will relieve soldiers currently serving the post.

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"The overall encompassing mission is that we want to give the Afghanistan people a national identity ... just like we have,” Lt. Col. Bradley Perrier said.

Sunday was Staff Sgt. Paul Barboa's third deployment and he said he is looking forward to the experience.

Barboa said the collection of soldiers assembled came from all over the country. He is from San Diego.

"Really, it's America coming together to make this happen,” he said.

Representing 13 states

Thirteen states were represented in the 36 soldiers. Six are from Oklahoma, Capt. Dale McCurdy said.

Gen. James Archer, 95th Division commander, told soldiers and family members that he's seen how important the mission is to the future of Afghanistan during the farewell ceremony at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Oklahoma City.

"I can assure you from my experience that your mission is absolutely critical to the independence of that nation,” Archer said.

Families of the deploying soldiers also felt pride for their loved ones' work.

Sgt. 1st Class Brandon Wallace of Moore had his new in-laws among the family members saying goodbye to him.

"We'll take care of the home front, and he'll take care of the Army, our country,” said Dorothy Hudspeth, Wallace's grandmother-in-law. "We're really proud of him.”

His mother-in-law, Karen LeGate, said they weren't sure how they would deal with his absence.

"We don't really know what the coming year will be. We just have to deal with it day by day,” she said.