as previously mentioned below Jake's unit, National Guard Unit 141 left Utah for a one year deployment to Iraq on June 25. My family of course went up for the send off and not ever having been through this before I wasn't quite sure what to expect-let's just say it's very similar to how the movies portray it.
275 soldiers were leaving so all of them and their families on the military base hangar. crazy packed full of people and SUPER hot. seriously no breeze and lots of sunshine bearing down on you in a packed room with limited fluids...it was hot!!
7:00PM is when it all started.
First things first-each solider has to weigh in. themselves as well as every bag they are taking. Second step-dinner/snacks donated from fresh market(yes there was diet coke, thank goodness they have good taste), and hanging out with the family. Seats were limited so we sat on the floor borderline the outskirts of the hangar. Two of Jake's brothers are leaving with him so we were able to hang out with his family and help entertain the children. Also Ricky Pinon is another good friend who leaves with them so we had the fabulous 4 and all of us.
Thirds Step: some group of people, I forgot the name, which happened to have some veterans came in at about 8:00 PM holding flags. they stood and held those flags until the last plane left.
Fourth Step: waiting. this was the longest step and there was lots of it. During the waiting there was a presentation where the governor spoke as well as some high up there commanders. During that time a prayer was also offered for the families being left behind and the soldiers going to Iraq. This was about the time emotions came into play.
Fifth step-Fame! Of course with the deployment all the major news broadcasting companies were there and so we were surprised when ABC asked Jake and Ash to interview them. Shortly after their interview he turned around to interview Channy and me. We made the news and I'll just say I was not expecting that much of a close up probably just as much as Ash wasn't expecting the belly shot : )
Sixth Step- final unit formations and loading.The first plane had arrived on base before the presentation started. And during the waiting I just kept wondering when they were going to start loading. At about 10:00pm they called a five minute warning for the first two groups to say their goodbyes. holy cow. this is when reality started to sink in that they were leaving and we weren't just going to stay chilling at the hangar forever. Ricky was on the first plane and after hugging him and telling him to be safe over there then watching him head for formation it was sad and felt just like the movies. I teared up as the kids around us began to cry and scream saying "daddy don't leave!!" and watching their mom's and siblings try to comfort them saying "He'll be back". applause sounded as they finished formation and headed for the plane. the flags people moved to line the walkway and entrance to the plane. The soldiers shook hands with commanders and loaded the plane. By this time the second plane(which was Jake's plane) had landed and preparations were being made to load which brought the part we'd been dreading our five minute warning to say goodbyes. I teared up all over again as I saw couples still holding on to each other soaking up the last few minutes, men and woman kissing their children goodbye and of course saying bye to my brother in law. After goodbye, be safe, and I love yous were said Jake's group had their final formation, followed by second hug : ) and they were off loading the plane in the same manner as the first plane.
Final step: once the planes were loaded there was a police escort to the salt lake national airport where they taxied over and then took off on the runway right in front of the base.
So there it is. like I said similar to the movies but much more. very emotional. very sad. very hard. and very humbling to be standing with and surrounded by those who will soon be in harms way.
275 soldiers were leaving so all of them and their families on the military base hangar. crazy packed full of people and SUPER hot. seriously no breeze and lots of sunshine bearing down on you in a packed room with limited fluids...it was hot!!
7:00PM is when it all started.
First things first-each solider has to weigh in. themselves as well as every bag they are taking. Second step-dinner/snacks donated from fresh market(yes there was diet coke, thank goodness they have good taste), and hanging out with the family. Seats were limited so we sat on the floor borderline the outskirts of the hangar. Two of Jake's brothers are leaving with him so we were able to hang out with his family and help entertain the children. Also Ricky Pinon is another good friend who leaves with them so we had the fabulous 4 and all of us.
Thirds Step: some group of people, I forgot the name, which happened to have some veterans came in at about 8:00 PM holding flags. they stood and held those flags until the last plane left.
Fourth Step: waiting. this was the longest step and there was lots of it. During the waiting there was a presentation where the governor spoke as well as some high up there commanders. During that time a prayer was also offered for the families being left behind and the soldiers going to Iraq. This was about the time emotions came into play.
Fifth step-Fame! Of course with the deployment all the major news broadcasting companies were there and so we were surprised when ABC asked Jake and Ash to interview them. Shortly after their interview he turned around to interview Channy and me. We made the news and I'll just say I was not expecting that much of a close up probably just as much as Ash wasn't expecting the belly shot : )
Sixth Step- final unit formations and loading.The first plane had arrived on base before the presentation started. And during the waiting I just kept wondering when they were going to start loading. At about 10:00pm they called a five minute warning for the first two groups to say their goodbyes. holy cow. this is when reality started to sink in that they were leaving and we weren't just going to stay chilling at the hangar forever. Ricky was on the first plane and after hugging him and telling him to be safe over there then watching him head for formation it was sad and felt just like the movies. I teared up as the kids around us began to cry and scream saying "daddy don't leave!!" and watching their mom's and siblings try to comfort them saying "He'll be back". applause sounded as they finished formation and headed for the plane. the flags people moved to line the walkway and entrance to the plane. The soldiers shook hands with commanders and loaded the plane. By this time the second plane(which was Jake's plane) had landed and preparations were being made to load which brought the part we'd been dreading our five minute warning to say goodbyes. I teared up all over again as I saw couples still holding on to each other soaking up the last few minutes, men and woman kissing their children goodbye and of course saying bye to my brother in law. After goodbye, be safe, and I love yous were said Jake's group had their final formation, followed by second hug : ) and they were off loading the plane in the same manner as the first plane.
Final step: once the planes were loaded there was a police escort to the salt lake national airport where they taxied over and then took off on the runway right in front of the base.
So there it is. like I said similar to the movies but much more. very emotional. very sad. very hard. and very humbling to be standing with and surrounded by those who will soon be in harms way.
God Bless Unit 141!! we love you!! Be safe and come home soon. 
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