FOREST GROVE, Ore. — The Oregon National Guard says it is continuing its legacy of serving both at home and abroad, as 230 guardsmen prepare to deploy to the Middle East during contentious times in the region. The unit will serve as the primary artillery defenders for the United States and its partners in Iraq and Syria.
At a mobilization ceremony Friday at Pacific University in Forest Grove, members of the 2nd Battalion, 218th Field Artillery Regiment prepared for the year-long mission.
Among them was 28-year-old Beth Biggs, who said she has been mentally preparing for this moment for the past year.
"I'm really confident that we're going to go over there, learn a lot before we go, and gain a lot of skills while we're there," Biggs said.
Initially, Biggs' parents were not very supportive of the news, but now they are prouder than ever.
“She will return in 11 months stronger than today and with a lot of experiences that she will be able to use in her future career,” said Amy Briggs, Beth's mother.
“(We) know she's doing the right thing and she's with a great group of people,” said Bill Biggs, Beth’s father.
Other soldiers are feeling more emotional, like single mother Latonia Emerson, who is leaving behind her only child.
"It's a hard decision, but there's going to be lots of support. We'll all just try to stay busy to get through it. Hopefully, the time flies by," said Sgt. Emerson.
Before heading to Syria and Iraq, the group of soldiers will undergo intensive training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. There, they will perfect their skills in rocket, artillery, and drone defense operations. Nathan Neill, 30, is most excited about this aspect.
“Getting the opportunity to really do what I’ve been training to do, to really be able to get out in the field and perform my duties,” said Sergeant Nathan Neill.
Neill added that none of the soldiers would be able to go off so confidently without the overwhelming love from their families.
“I couldn’t ask for a better family. They came here today, and I’m really happy to have that support because that’s what gives the strength to stand up and do what we need to do,” Neill said.
Once training is complete, Task Force "Defender" will head to Iraq and Syria in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, where they'll work with local allies to "secure lasting defeat of terrorist elements" in the region, according to the Oregon Military Department.