Minnesota Guard Soldiers Prepare for Deployment

RED WING, Minn. - About 100 Minnesota National Guard Soldiers assigned to the 434th Chemical Company gathered Oct. 11 with their families and friends for a ceremony to mark their deployment later this fall to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, where they will support chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear operations.

"We will be at the ready for decontamination, site surveillance and recon for chemicals," said U.S. Army Capt. Darien Benson, commander of the 434th Chemical Company.

Benson recognized the emotional and personal challenges Soldiers face when they leave loved ones behind during a deployment. His message to the Soldiers, families and communities supporting the deployment was simple: "No Soldier deploys alone."

For experienced Soldiers such as U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Russell Moog, that message extended beyond the ceremony and into the leadership and mentorship he hopes to provide throughout the deployment. He plans to use both his military and personal experiences to help younger Soldiers navigate challenges and approach the deployment with a positive mindset.

"Being a father, being a husband, being an older Soldier, I have a lot that I can bring to the table as far as life experience and Soldier experience," Moog said.

This will be U.S. Army Private First Class Eh Htoo's first deployment, bringing a different set of expectations and uncertainties. When Htoo first learned he would be deploying, he had completed Basic Combat Training but had not yet attended Advanced Individual Training, or AIT, where Soldiers learn occupation-specific skills.

"I didn't know what to expect. I had no idea what I was going to do, especially when I haven't been to AIT yet," Htoo said.

After completing AIT, Htoo returned to his unit with a better understanding of his responsibilities and greater confidence in his ability to contribute to the mission.

While Htoo prepares for his first deployment, his family members also are navigating unfamiliar territory. This will be their first experience having a loved one serve overseas, making the time leading up to his departure especially meaningful.

His father, Hay Tha Htoo, shared how the family has been spending time together through faith, worship and shared experiences. Despite the uncertainty of his son being overseas, he sees the deployment as an opportunity for personal growth.

"As a father, I want my son to go out and be free. Gain more knowledge, receive more education and be a leader to people. We will be there for encouragement," Hay Tha Htoo said.

Whether facing a first deployment or another period of separation, encouragement and communication remain common themes among the Soldiers and families preparing for the months ahead.

For U.S. Army First Sgt. Earl Rawls, first sergeant of the 434th Chemical Company, maintaining those connections is an important part of overcoming the challenges of deployment. His advice to Soldiers and their families centers on trusting one another and keeping communication open.

"Believe in each other. Communicate. That value, that connection you have with somebody is usually what gets you through the tough stuff," Rawls said.