Soldiers receive emotional sendoff

Pawlenty: soldiers respond to

something larger than themselves

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Members of the Minnesota Army National Guard, First Battalion, 125th Field Artillery deploying to Europe today responded to something larger and more important than themselves Gov. Tim Pawlenty told hundreds of people Wednesday at a deployment ceremony at German Park.

More than 500 soldiers were mobilized to conduct security operations at North Atlantic Treaty Organizations throughout Europe. Soldiers will be deployed to guard U.S. military interests in England, Germany, Belgium, Italy and Turkey.

Pawlenty spoke briefly at the ceremony attended by hundreds.

"We stand here today to recognize your commitment and courage," Pawlenty said. "Freedom is not free. We honor the men and women that step into the breech. They are heroes and patriots."

Pawlenty said the greatest generation that fought in World War II and then came home and helped build much of America -- which Tom Brokaw wrote about in his book -- are handing off the baton to the current generation.

He urged people wishing to volunteer their services to families of those being deployed to register on the First Lady's Military Family Care Initiative web site.

Pawlenty told soldiers their training has prepared them, their honor will guide them and that the American public believes in them.

New Ulm Mayor Joel Albrecht -- a disabled veteran himself -- said it was the fourth time the soldiers of the New Ulm-based 125th were recalled to active duty. Previous active duty deployments were July 1917, July 1942 and Jan. 1951.

"You are the very best and brightest to ever answer the call of active duty," Albrecht said. "There is a difference. You are the best-educated that ever answered the call to use the most sophisticated equipment on the face of the earth."

Yet, there are things that are the same like the pain of being separated from family and friends and the anguish they'll feel, Albrecht added.

"I hope you all come back as a unit and that the Almighty will guide you and bring you back safely to us," Albrecht said. "If there is anything we can do, please let us know. If I can't do it, there are people here that can. I wish you God's speed and love."

Maj. Gen. Larry Shellito, Commanding General of the 34th ID (Red Bull), challenged spouses of deployed military members not to wait until they are asked to help, but to "just do it."

The New Ulm-based battalion is the top-ranked unit of its type in the country. Since Sept. 11, 2001, National Guard units from around the country have been enhancing security at U.S. bases abroad.

The 125th has batteries deploying from St. James, St. Peter, Fairmont, Jackson, Pipestone, and Luverne. It originated as the Minnesota 3rd Infantry Regiment in Northern Minnesota, serving in World War I where it earned a battle steamer and reorganized into the 34th Red Bull Division.

During World War II, it became the 125th again and earned honors for firing more than 250,000 rounds of artillery ammunition in in 480 days of combat in Northern Africa and Italy.

The 125th served as a training unit in the Korean Conflict and served at Camp Rucker, Ala. Many of its soldiers saw action in Korea as replacement troops. It was not deployed again until Team Spirit 90 in the Republic of Korea in March 1990.

The First Lady's Military Family Care Initiative web site seeks members of service, community or faith-based organizations to provide volunteer services to the families of military personnel during the time of separation from their loved-ones. For more information, visit http:www.governor.state.mn/us/flmain1asp