Sep 2, 2008 6:15 pm US/Eastern
Family, Friends Attend Sendoff For N.H. Troops
CONCORD, N.H. (WBZ) ―
New Hampshire National Guard solders are heading overseas to help train Afghanistan's army and police force to protect themselves. On Tuesday, the National Guard held a sendoff ceremony for the 16 soldiers and their families.
This tactical embedded training team will be deployed for one year. The commander of New Hampshire's Army National Guard told the troops, "You're going to help the Afghani people, through their police force and army, stand on their own and defend their county."
The National Guardsmen are leaving behind wives and children of all ages.
Captain Mark Patterson, who has four children with his wife Laurie, says, "The hardest part is leaving the kids and all the responsibility with my wife. That's the hardest thing all together, the four kids, busy schedule with soccer games and baseball games and the two little ones it makes for a long day and a tough schedule."
Captain Patterson's wife Laurie says, "It's a lot more work, but we have a routine in place. The kids help each other. We have a buddy system going, as long as we can communicate every so often, we'll be alright."
Staff Sergeant Donald Kilmer and his wife have a 4-week-old daughter, Sierra. His wife Joyce says, "I worry about what's going to happen, if things stay the way they are around there, a lot of turmoil. All we can do is pray he'll come home safe."
Governor John Lynch spoke to the troops during the ceremony, promising the soldiers the people of New Hampshire will support their families. "While you're gone, there will be a void in our collective hearts. Please be safe and god bless you."
The families said they were grateful for the support. "We should all be proud of them for serving, and encourage folks to support them."
Laurie Patterson added, "I want them to know their support is appreciated. Everyone in our community has been so supportive, I'm grateful. The kind words from everybody, friends, family people I meet on the street, the kind words, they keep me going."
This is the sixth team of New Hampshire Army Guard soldiers to serve as mentors in Afghanistan since 2003.
Since September 11, more than three quarters of New Hampshire's National Guard soldiers and airmen and women have been deployed overseas in support of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.
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