Reply #15: 820 NG CA. soldiers deployed to Iraq in Sept. - the largest California Guard unit to deploy

[Breeze54]

California National Guard unit prepares for combat

http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qn4176/is_20070822/ai_n19475594

Oakland Tribune, Aug 22, 2007

Editors Note:

In support of President Bushs order for more front- line troops in Iraq, National Guard leaders
turned to the Walnut Creek-based 1st Battalion of the 143rd Field Artillery Brigade.

Expanded and turned into an infantry task force of about 820 soldiers from more than 300 cities
around the state, the unit is the largest California Guard unit to deploy since the Korean War.

Staff writer Dogen Hannah and photographer Karl Mondon have been following dozens of soldiers and
their families as the force prepares for war. The soldiers expect to deploy overseas before mid- September.

FORT DIX, N.J. --

The pickup speeds out of the darkness toward a floodlit Army base checkpoint, ignoring guards orders to stop.

more........