Photo By Maj. Chad Nixon | Baby Charles James “CJ” Mannis joins his mother, Sgt. Samantha Mannis, in bidding...... read more read more
PLEASANT HILL, Iowa - Sen. Joni Ernst and various military officials gathered with family and friends of Army Reserve Soldiers assigned to the 361st Medical Logistics Company during a deployment farewell ceremony held at the Spring Creek Sixth Grade Center, Jan. 24.
The 361st MED LOG, led by Capt. Robert Hatcher and Sgt. 1st Class Robin Budde, is scheduled for a nine-month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
Ernst, an Iowa native, was present to share her own personal experiences while deployed with the Iowa National Guard.
“Look at the person to your left and right,” instructed Ernst. “Take care of them and they will take care of you.”
Family and friends hugged and kissed Soldiers at the conclusion of the event.
“I’m scared and proud of her,” stated Tony Kopp, father of Sgt. Coral Kopp. “It feels strange not being the one to keep her safe, but she’s a smart girl and has had good training.”
His daughter Coral, a medical supply specialist from Ottumwa, is more than excited to deploy.
“When I was in the sixth grade, we had to write a letter to our future self, and I knew I was going to be a Soldier,” said Kopp. “I’m thrilled to get the opportunity to serve my country, while doing the job I was trained for, while working with the people I think of as family.”
Soldiers will fill a multitude of roles during their deployment, to include medical equipment repair, pharmacology and medical supply inventory for returning units.
The 361st MED LOG will stop at Fort Hood, Texas, for a few weeks to complete final training requirements before departing for Afghanistan.
| Date Taken: | 01.24.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.24.2015 20:45 |
| Story ID: | 152670 |
| Location: | PLEASANT HILL, IOWA, US |
| Hometown: | OTTUMWA, IOWA, US |
| Web Views: | 466 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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