West Des Moines, IA — The 103rd Sustainment Command held a farewell ceremony at Valley Stadium on Sunday as soldiers prepare to deploy to the Middle East for a year-long mission. Families, state representatives, and Governor Reynolds attended to show support for the troops.
Families and Soldiers Share Emotions
Soldiers and family members described the ceremony as both a farewell and a celebration of community support.
“What just happened on paper was a farewell ceremony, but we’re looking at it more as a celebration,” said Lindsey Wagner, a soldier in the 103rd Sustainment Command. “You know, the support from the families and from some representatives from the state, and it’s not a goodbye. It’s a see you later, and we’re really excited.”
Family members shared the bittersweet nature of deployment:
“Mixed emotions, you know you’re excited, but at the same time, you’re nervous, you know, they’re going across seas. You have all these mixed emotions like everybody does,” said Ryan Goche, who has family deploying in the 103rd.
Nyla O’Connell, whose son is deploying for the second time, added, “I won’t see him for a year, so that’s a long time. And he’s just recently been married. Married a year in October. So that’s hard for his wife, too.”
Community Support Lifts Spirits
Many attendees noted that the large turnout and community support helped ease the emotional strain for the soldiers and their families.
“It’s really meaningful. It really shows how much support we’re getting from just everybody around and I think it’s a huge boost, a morale for the troops,” said Wagner.
- This year marks the largest deployment of Iowa soldiers in 15 years.
- Approximately 250 soldiers deployed with the 103rd Sustainment Command, adding to the growing number of Iowa soldiers overseas.
The heartfelt ceremony highlights both the personal sacrifices of military families and the community’s role in supporting troops as they embark on their mission (source).
What are your thoughts on this show of support for Iowa soldiers? Let us know in the comments.
