The 4th Infantry Division headquarters, along with its Special Troops Battalion, completed a yearlong odyssey between deployments as more than 1,100 Soldiers headed out en route to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

From Saturday through today (Nov. 29), approximately 1,000 Soldiers completed a hectic week of travel activity as they joined more than 150 of their fellow Soldiers who had previously deployed to Kuwait throughout the month.

After hitting the ground in Kuwait, the Soldiers will conduct additional training before moving up to Baghdad, where they will replace their brethren from the 1st Cavalry Division, who had replaced them as the headquarters element in charge of Multi-National Division – Baghdad in November 2006. The division marks its third deployment in support of OIF throughout a five-year period.

“We are about to embark on a great campaign,” said Maj. Gen. Jeffery Hammond, the 4th Infantry Division’s commanding general. “This will be the decisive campaign. Your children, one day, will open their books in school and study our contributions during this decisive time. There’s no place I’d rather be than with you – during the most decisive period of time.”

The Soldiers’ days began early as they prepared for their trips on Saturday, Sunday and Monday mornings. Their days kicked off with 3 a.m. formations, where the Soldiers drew their assigned weapons and said their final farewells to their Families, some of whom traveled from as far away as California to say goodbye. From there, the Soldiers rode the bus to Starker Gym to complete additional paperwork requirements before finally moving on to Robert Gray Army Airfield, where they were met by a host of well-wishers before boarding their flights.

For a large portion of the Soldiers, the deployment to Iraq marks a return to the Middle East – and they said they will share their experiences on how to overcome the potential hardship with their fellow Soldiers.

“I’ve been there before, so I know what to expect, said Spc. Timothy Boyd, who serves as an intelligence analyst with Company B, STB.
Boyd, a native of Dallas, said he and his wife, Karah, learned how to deal with separation during his previous deployment.

“I think it will be a little easier this time,” he said, adding that another positive factor for him was that he liked Camp Liberty during his previous deployment and feels comfortable returning there.

For Staff Sgt. Viola Prouty, a medical logistics noncommissioned officer with Co. A, STB, the deployment to Iraq marks her third trip to the region in four years, whereas her husband, Staff Sgt. Craig Prouty, is still awaiting his first deployment. She said her experience has taught her to take things in stride.

“Just be patient,” she said. “The deployment will go quicker if you have a positive attitude. We have a good group of people and have many fellow Soldiers to talk to in our office. That’s very important.”

As the Soldiers headed out the door to Iraq, they said they understood they have very important missions ahead of them. Not all of the vital missions necessarily involve fighting the enemy though. For some, it’s a matter of maintaining the combat experience that is so vital for the Army.

“We have to retain these Soldiers to be able to accomplish our mission,” said Sgt. Maj. Don Salinas, the division’s senior retention enlisted leader. Salinas, a native of Lockhart, leaves behind his wife, Rebecca, and five children: Don, Jacob, Brandon, Joanna and Alisha.

“The retention mission actually seems to become a little easier during deployments,” he added. “Soldiers reenlist at record rates when they are in the fight. They do it because they love what they do. The bottom line is they love what they do and they are patriotic.”

As for deploying with his team, he said, “I’m looking forward to it. There is a reason we have to be there.”

Before the Soldiers headed out to the waiting plane, Hammond said it was important for them to look out for each other.

“We must take care of each other,” he said. “We stand shoulder-to-shoulder, back-to-back. I expect you to take care of each other – be strong every day!

“God bless each and every one of you.”

After Hammond’s final words of guidance, the Soldiers headed out on the tarmac where they were welcomed by a now-familiar site as the division’s honor guard flanked them to their left and the band to their right. Awaiting the Soldiers as they prepared to board the plane were Hammond and his wife, Diane, along with the division’s Command Sgt. John Gioia; Lt. Col. David Thompson, the rear detachment commander; Lt. Col. Dale Buckner, the STB commander; and STB’s Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Parker.

As is the final farewell tradition for the 4th Inf. Div., the receiving party belted out a resounding rendition of the 4th Infantry Division Song before the door closed and the Soldiers commenced on their long trek, which included stops in Maine, Ireland, Germany and Kuwait, before their eventual final destination of Iraq.

The Ivy Division Song:
Steadfast and Loyal, we’re fit to fight.
The nation’s finest Soldiers, keep liberty’s light.
Our Soldiers roar for freedom, we’re fit for any test.
The mighty 4th Division, America’s Best!