Citizen soldiers across Minnesota have been summoned by the government to fight the war in Iraq. Tuesday, 36 reservists from the 934th Air Wing left for the Middle East after 'volunteering' to serve.
The reservists specialize in medical and engineering support and will be in Iraq for up to 120 days. "This is a location I've never been to before, a lot more busy, fast paced, just, well it's gonna be a different world over there," said medical technician Stephanie Belle-Isle, who will serve her third stint in the Middle East.
While the soldiers themselves will be in harms way, they're not the only ones bearing the hardship. "Because I get to keep the home front going for him while he's away", explained Sharon Stang, whose husband Ken will support a military field hospital.
Wednesday night, President Bush is expected to call for a 'surge' of 20,000 troops to stabilize the volatile situation in Baghdad, and the western Anbar Province. Many of those troops would be reservists and there has been talk of extended and repeat deployments to provide the additional manpower.
Governor Tim Pawlenty cautioned against passing judgment on the Bush plan before hearing the details, but he 'does' want Minnesota soldiers treated fairly.
"You can only push members of the Guard, Reserve, and the active military so far, and we've made commitments to these folks that if you sign up, you'll only be deployed once in a year and a half period during a six year signup in the guard. Many are being asked to go beyond that, and i don't think that's fair," said Pawlenty. "I think if the federal government makes a deal with these soldiers, they should keep it."
By Dana Thiede, KARE 11 News
(Copyright 2007 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)
