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One year ago we followed the unfolding events of America's war with Iraq, from
local guardsmen being called to active duty to "shock and awe." Five days into
the war, Jessica Lynch was missing in action.
SAD GOOD-BYES AS TROOPS LEAVE SPENCER - "It Was Crying Time"
(02/11/2003)
It was reminiscent of soldiers departing in earlier wars, trucks, jeeps and
equipment with soldiers hanging out windows and waving good-bye to well
wishers.
About 85 members of the 1092nd Engineers left their Spencer armory yesterday
morning, after being activated for a pending war with Iraq.
Some of the guardsmen are from Calhoun, including Phillip Perkins, son of Larry
and Connie Perkins of Millstone. Perkins, a 2000 graduate of CHS, is a member of
the Mount Zion United Methodist Church, whose members prayed for his safe
return Sunday.
Spencer residents and families turned out in the falling snow for an impromptu
good-bye yesterday, lining the Charleston by-pass.
"It was crying time," said Tracey Keaton, who join the crowd. "There was distress
on many faces," she said, fearful of what is to come.
The unit is headed for Ft. Bragg, North Carolina where they'll undergo several
weeks of training and administrative processing, with many of them to be
assigned to the Gulf area, which is building to 150,000 troops.
More than 500 members of the 1092nd have been activated. The Parkersburg
battalion also has companies and detachments in Gassaway, Moundsville,
Richwood, Salem, and Weston.
Meanwhile, more than 3,000 West Virginia-based National Guard troops have
been activated.
WAR BEGINS! - "Shock And Awe" Yet To Come
(03/20/2003)
The war against Iraq began last night. Missing was the expected "shock and
awe" of America's military might.
Instead, the war against Saddam Hussein began with missiles fired from
American ships in the Persian Gulf - precision guided bombs raining on a bunker
in Baghdad where the leader and his cronies were reportedly staying the
night.
It is unknown if the surgical strike was effective.
Soon after the attacks Hussein appeared on Iraqi TV, maybe. The government
felt it might have been a recording made earlier.
President Bush addressed the American people last night after the first volleys,
indicating this first strike was just a preview of what is to come.
Last night's attack was a "target of opportunity."
President Bush said America will not settle for "half measures," and the job will
get done.
Since the attack, Iraq is shooting some missiles at Kuwait, all of which have been
destroyed or missed the target. Artillery fire was aimed at ground troops in
southern Iraq. Numerous alerts required soldiers and civilians to fix gas masks,
but so far they have apparently been unnecessary.
Hussein and his inner circle have refused to leave the country.
MORE THAN 3,000 WV RESERVISTS-GUARDSMEN CALLED - Eighty-Eight Leave
Today
(03/20/2003)
Eighty-eight members of the West Virginia Army National Guard said goodbye to
their families and friends this morning.
The St. Albans-based 111th Engineer Group left in a convoy of about two dozen
vehicles, headed for Indiana.
Within three weeks, the group is expected to be in the Middle East as part of a
second wave of support, which may also include the more local 1092nd
Engineers from Spencer and the region.
The group builds roads, bridges and buildings, and can also help with battlefield
mobilization.
The unit is the 12th West Virginia National Guard unit to have been mobilized by
the president as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
More than 3,000 West Virginia National Guard troops and reservists have been
called to active duty in recent weeks.
SHOCK AND AWE HITS BAGHDAD - Massive Strike After Noon EST
(03/21/2003)
The Pentagon on Friday unleashed its "shock and awe" strike on Baghdad,
apparently destroying a series of palaces and official buildings.
The skies of the city lit up under massive firepower, with huge clouds of smoke
and orange fireballs.
The attack was made on other cities across Iraq.
Correspondent Peter Arnett, reporting live from Baghdad, said the strikes were
much larger than what he had seen in the 1991 Gulf War.
U.S. Marines and British Commandos approached the key southern city of Basra
after taking control of Iraq's oil port.
WIRT SOLDIER CAPTURED - Jessica Lynch, 19, Missing In Action, West Hamlin Soldier Killed
(03/24/2003)
A 19-year-old Wirt County native is missing in action in Iraq. Jessica Lynch, who
is about to turn 20, is from Palestine and is a 2001 graduate of Wirt County High
School. She is a member of the 507th Maintenance Company out of Fort Bliss,
Texas.
Department of Defense officials reported her unit was moving toward the front in
southern Iraq Sunday to provide maintenance to mobile infantry vehicles when
they became separated from their convoy in the desert. Iraqi forces surrounded
the truck, killing some of the soldiers and taking others prisoner.
She may be among the soldiers paraded before cameras for Iraqi TV
yesterday.
Greg Lynch, her father, said he and his family saw the news coverage of the
attack. He said they were immediately fearful she could be involved. A State
Trooper and a representative of the Army came to their home Sunday night to
report she was missing in action.
Lynch was completing her first tour of duty with the Army and had just reenlisted
for another four-year hitch.
Family members in West Hamlin, West Virginia were mourning the death of a
state native killed in southern Iraq. Second Lt. Therrel "Shane" Childers, was
killed Friday during action.
"That was his life. He graduated from high school and that was his
determination. He grew up in the military. I'm sure that planted some type of
desire in his heart," said Brenda Childers, his aunt in Salt Rock, WV.
1092ND HAS LEFT FOR KUWAIT - Area National Guardsmen Departed Monday
(04/09/2003)
The West Virginia battalion best known for its ability to rebuild the state after
floods has left for Kuwait, standing by to help fellow soldiers rebuild Iraq.
Dozens of soldiers from Roane, Calhoun and the region are members of the unit.
Several Calhoun men belong to the Spencer Detachment.
The 1092nd Engineering Combat Battalion, based in Parkersburg, left Fort Bragg,
NC, Monday night for Kuwait, according to a family member.
An estimated 511 soldiers with the 1092nd spent the eight previous weeks at
Fort Bragg, North Carolina preparing for their mission in the Gulf War, training
with weapons to building bridges or actually fighting soldiers.
Engineering combat battalion units go in during the fighting to help reconstruct
the country and get life back to normal, according to 1092nd Col. Melvin
Burch.
"They can do everything from fight as infantry to build roads. They are
multipurpose," said Burch, who said he couldn't release the specific nature of the
group.
Burch said he could not release the unit's specific mission, but the soldiers were
ready to do whatever they were called on to do -- building bridges, fighting or
clearing land mines.
John Allen, brother of 1st Sgt. Fred Allen of Gassaway told media the soldiers are
enthusiastic. He said "They're watching the news reports and there's a whole
menagerie of angles presented. They don't know how they'll be represented in
the news media...not just them, but all the soldiers.They're just good old folks
from here at home trying to do a job."
Allen said they feel well prepared and confident.
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