Local soldiers still in Iraq

For many U.S. residents, the war in Iraq is millions of miles away, physically and mentally. For members of the Indiana National Guard, Iraq is a temporary home away from family and friends.\nAccording to an unofficial announcement in a letter from Lt. Col. James Gentry, Battalion Commander of the 152nd Infantry Regiment of the Indiana National Guard, a group of over 600 soldiers stationed in Kuwait and Iraq will not return until early next year -- possibly February said Gentry.\nBut the National Guard has not made any official comments, stating there has been no official notification of any demobilization from Iraq.\n"We can't confirm any reports about the 152nd Infantry Regiment," said Director of Public Affairs Major Rex Sohen.\nIn spite of recent speculation, officials maintain that unofficial announcements should be given no weight.\nAnother unit helping to rebuild Iraq has had the same fate as the 152nd regiment. The 30ACA Unit, which was stationed in Iraq in February 2002 to help mobilize the government, were scheduled to come home in August and received orders to remain mobilized in Iraq until February 2004. James Pressner, Public education officer for the 308 Civil Affairs Brigade, said he has orders for the unit to remain in Iraq for another one to two years.\n"My orders are very accurate, but I have yet to receive an official notification," he said.\nPressner said the length of stay in Iraq is necessary, mainly because rebuilding takes time. \n"Rebuilding a country takes energy and resources," Pressner said, "especially when it took Saddam Hussein 39 years to destroy it."\nOverall, Pressner said the unit is doing a tremendous job and hopes that the public will understand the amount of time needed to stabilize the country.\nAlthough the 30ACA unit is expected to stay, there is still no word on the status of the 152nd Infantry Regiment. Sohen said Gentry could have heard information, but no one yet has confirmed his letter.\n"We have not received any kind of mobilization letters and 99.9 percent of the time, that is how a group gets to leave, when it comes in writing," Sohen said.\nWith no extended order from military officials, the group is scheduled to begin returning to Indiana beginning the first week in January Sohen said. He is hoping to hear news about demobilization from the Pentagon in the coming weeks.\nThe 152nd Infantry Regiment is made up of many Indiana residents, but is not a part of the Indiana National Guard. The group mobilized as a Federal Service and are a part of the active army. The group answers to higher officials because of their status, and in turn receive orders from the Pentagon.\nIndiana National Guard Program Coordinator Mike Connor said there is no information of when the group will return to Indiana. He said talk about a later return usually causes more problems.\n"The speculation usually leads to more stress," Connor said. "Especially when it hits the local media like CNN and families wonder if it concerns their unit and they don't know."\nConnor directs the Family Readiness Group and works to improve the life of the Army National\nGuard and their family members. He said families don't know for sure when soldiers are returning until their loved ones step off a plane. \n"This is why I am overly sensitive about mere speculation," Connor said. "Even if they do come home, they can still be detained."\nConnor said families who have loved ones overseas handle separation differently. He said many have positive outcomes such as families coming closer together and spouses becoming more reliant and self dependent while soldiers are away. Connor said despite the good points there can be harder times as well.\n"There is also the negative side of the situation," Connor said. "People are not prepared when a soldier leaves and deal with the situation. It becomes overwhelming, but it takes time to get through the difficulties of the separation."\nConnor also added the network of spouses available to help with these problems are effective. \n"We have older spouses who know what to expect and help the younger spouses with children try to cope," he said.\nSohen said when news is received about mobilization from Iraq, military groups make it available quickly for families. \n"We have a large amount of family for over 600 soldiers with the 152nd Infantry Regiment who want their loved ones to come home," he said. " We want them home as soon as possible." \n-Contact staff writer Lindsay Jancek at lmjancek@indiana.edu