Reflections on Departure Day

A couple of thoughts on the Departure Ceremonies held for the Virginia National Guard at Woodstock and Winchester, Virginia.

1. It seemed just a little ironic that the American flags that were handed out at both ceremonies said "made in China!" An American celebration indeed.
2. Neither Congressman Bob Goodlate or Congressman Frank Wolf made it to the ceremonies. Both cited legislative duties. We all know how hard our congressmen work, but I think they should have made time to put in an appearance. Both sent representatives. Frank Wolf's representative was an older gentleman with no prepared remarks. He stammered on for a few minutes without really saying anything.
3. Everybody should attend one of these going away parties. What they would see is what we are doing to families. Watching husbands and wives hug and cry....watching small children with tear stained faces....watching parents saying goodbye to teenage sons.....every person should witness this.
   

Keep Your Head Up and Your Eyes on the Horizon

What a long, hard day! Departure Ceremonies at Woodstock and Winchester. On the road at 8:00 AM and returning home around 9:30 PM. There were so many hard things about the day but the most heart wrenching would be watching my two beautiful daughter-in-laws eyes fill with tears as they said goodbye. By the end of the day I wrapped my arms around Joshua and he held me while I sobbed.

Soldiers will carry the community’s support

By Drew Houff
The Winchester Star

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WINCHESTER — At least 1,000 family members, friends, and others turned out to see them go.

With such support, the troops from the Virginia Army National Guard’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division left Shentel Stadium on Tuesday night with their heads held high.

Such a morale boost should help in the coming year, which will include about three months of training in Mississippi and then another nine or more months in Iraq.

Sgt. Michael Tomlinson of Lynchburg talks with his 4-year-old son, Tyler, before leaving Winchester on Tuesday evening with his fellow National Guard members. (Photo by Jeff Taylor)

That was the sentiment of many people who attended Tuesday’s departure ceremony.

“It’s real important — it means a lot to them,” said Maj. Mark Nelson, the unit’s former company commander. “It means everybody has thought of them.

“It keeps morale boosted for the long road ahead. Every little bit carries them through, as long as the community stays involved. I know how important it was when were were in Afghanistan.”

Community support plays a large role, helping the soldiers and families to cope with the challenges ahead — and some of those challenges are not pleasant.

During Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, two members of the company — Staff Sgt. Craig Cherry, 39, of Winchester, and Sgt. Bobby Beasley, 36, of Inwood, W.Va. — were killed in August 2004 when an improvised explosive device struck their armored Humvee.

Tuesday’s ceremony was designed to show support for the troops.

Purcel Jenkins, a veteran of the Vietnam War who lives in Winchester, said it was crucial to do right by the soldiers. “The Vietnam veteran didn’t get that. It’s very important [to be at the ceremony].”

Heath Phillips, a first lieutenant with the unit who lives in Rockingham County, said the ceremony meant a lot.

“This is great,” he said. “They filled up the parking lots and are now in the overflow. This is a pretty good crowd to wish the guys well.”

The new deployment is the second for 1st Lt. Thomas Claytor of Chesterfield County, and he said it was great to know that the citizens were behind them.

“The community has been good all week, saying ‘Thank you’ for what we will be doing,” he said.

Brittany Green, cousin of Guardsman P.J. Wenner, said: “[Attending] was very important to me because I don’t get to see my cousin much.”

Sgt. Thomas Barr of Winchester kisses his 2-month-old son, Cameron, before leaving for three months of training in Mississippi and another nine or more months of duty in Iraq. (Photo by Jeff Taylor)

Tuesday also marked the start of work for others who will remain in their homes, such as Judith Barker, the chairwoman of the Family Readiness Group serving the soldiers and families of the Guard unit.

“We’re a support group made up of volunteers,” she said. “We hold fundraisers because we don’t get money from the government, so we operate entirely from donations and gifts. We are a resource for families, able to tell them where to go for help when they need it.”

Barker, who has been serving in that capacity, said she understands the need to obtain assistance. After all, her husband is Capt. Douglas B. Barker, the company commander.

“They can come to me, and I can send them information to the appropriate resources for the help [they] need,” she said.

One of her roles will be informing families about any possible leave at the end of the Guardsmen’s time at Camp Shelby, Miss., before they are sent to Iraq.

She said Tuesday’s ceremony was a proper way for the soldiers and their families to say goodbye.

“It’s nice to give them the sendoff they deserve,” Barker said. “This also helps people talk to other family members, and they can support each other.

“The National Guard is so spread out that it makes it a lot more difficult [to get together], but I still want to have pool parties for the families. I hope to have a meeting to help the families cope.”

Barker said she also will provide advice, reminding the families to write letters and send packages to the soldiers.

Barker said Shentel Stadium offered the perfect setting for the sendoff:

“I hope we’re having this time next year a welcome-home ceremony. This is a nice venue. Shenandoah University is so nice to let us have it.”

Guard gets an emotional sendoff

By Drew Houff
The Winchester Star

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WINCHESTER — With cheers, hugs, smiles, and some sadness, local National Guard members officially departed on Tuesday for Camp Shelby, Miss. — and their eventual destination of Iraq.

The troops from Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division of the Virginia Army National Guard were honored with an evening departure ceremony at Shenandoah University’s Shentel Stadium.

Cpl. Jonathan Fournier of Front Royal carries his gear to the bus that was waiting to take the National Guard members to Washington Dulles International Airport. (Photo by Jeff Taylor)

The event marked a transition for the Guardsmen, who will train for about three months before being deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Winchester Mayor Elizabeth A. Minor, Virginia Secretary of Public Safety Clyde E. Cristman, and Maj. Gen. Robert B. Newman of the Virginia Army National Guard sent the soldiers off with support, well wishes, and hopes for a safe return.

Minor, for example, told the soldiers she was not saying goodbye — “...until we meet again,” she said several times, explaining how no words could really capture the emotions of such a sendoff.

“Please know you have our hearts, our support, our prayers, and our love as you fight as part of [Operation Iraqi Freedom],” Minor concluded. “Until we meet again, thank you, and God bless you all.”

Cristman noted that the unit had answered the call before when it fought as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan in 2004 and 2005.

Two members of the company — Staff Sgt. Craig Cherry, 39, of Winchester, and Sgt. Bobby Beasley, 36, of Inwood, W.Va. — died during that deployment.

Cristman said Virginians supported this second major deployment, and the soldiers had the gratitude of the entire state.

“We will stand with your family for your safe return in hopefully about 12 months,” he said. “Your work will help ensure the freedoms we Americans all hold dear.”

Newman, adjutant general of Virginia, said the 29th Division had long stood out in the military, often holding leadership roles in a variety of combat situations.

He said attending sendoff ceremonies throughout Virginia on Tuesday was the highest honor he could have received, in part because of the great confidence he has in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company.

“Thank you for your service of the Guard, our community, and our nation,” Newman said.

Capt. Douglas B. Barker, the local unit’s commander, told the soldiers that he was reminded of some comments at a recent Memorial Day service. He said that to answer the nation’s call and putting that duty above all else highlighted the next greatest generation.

Virginia Army National Guardsman Richard Shull of Elkton walks hand-in-hand with his wife, Kam, to Tuesday evening’s departure ceremony at Shentel Stadium in Winchester. (Photo by Jeff Taylor)

That dedication made this group so revered, setting an example for generations to come, he said.

“I offer my personal thanks to you and your families for the sacrifice you are making on the part of our nation,” Barker added. “Have confidence in your training, have confidence in your equipment, have confidence in your leadership, and above all, have confidence in yourselves.

“Gentlemen, ever forward!”

Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Clarke closed the ceremony, telling the soldiers to take a little more time with their family members and loved ones before getting on the buses to take them to Washington Dulles International Airport for their flight to Mississippi.

“Although we do not know precisely where we will go, I promise you this — we will serve with honor,” he said.

In a telephone interview before Tuesday’s departure ceremony, National Guard Capt. Dayna Rowden said about 810 soldiers from Virginia were being sent to Camp Shelby for additional training. She said they were to join about 200 members of the Colorado National Guard. Rowden could not provide exact numbers for the troops deployed from the local Guard unit.

The Virginia Army National Guard held four other departure ceremonies on Tuesday. The others were for A Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry at Piedmont Community College in Charlottesville; B Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry at the Woodstock Armory; C Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry at Heritage High School in Leesburg; and D Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry and F Company, 429th Brigade Support Battalion at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg.

Soldiers ship out for training, Iraq
Guard families take part in big sendoff
By Cindy Corell/staff
ccorell@newsleader.com

WOODSTOCK — They stood in two lines along the long walls of the armory's drill room, while their families sat sweating in metal, folding chairs. Soldiers of Bravo Co., 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team were ready to leave for Camp Shelby, Miss., where they and those from four other companies would train for deployment to Iraq. It was a drill most of them had seen before. Most of them, like Evelyn Elliott of Churchville, knew what to expect. Her husband, Tony, was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, for more than a year. Others in the Bravo Company spent nearly a year in Afghanistan in 2004. Practice may make perfect, but it doesn't make it any easier. "I just learned that you have to be independent if you're married to a guardsman," Elliott said. "You have to be strong, to be a soldier." "Today Virginia's infantry is moving out on a grand and noble mission," said Major Gen. Robert B. Newman Jr., adjutant general of the Virginia National Guard. He thanked in advance the families for the support they will show the troops during their yearlong mission. "There is no more supportive group of Virginians than you, the families of the guardsmen," he said. Lt. Col. John Epperly, battalion commander, was much more direct when he spoke to the families. A year from now, he said, there would be a reunion. "My best advice to you," he said, "is to keep your heads up and your eyes on the horizon because we will be home soon." Outside under a high-noon and blazing sun, soldiers hugged family members. Fathers held small children; sweethearts gazed with teary eyes. Brittany Lovell of Staunton held a flower while she watched her husband, Seth, stand in formation before boarding the bus. They were married June 9. Not far away stood her sister-in-law, Katy Herr Lovell. By Tuesday evening, she would watch her husband, Eli, leave the Winchester armory for the same deployment. He is Seth's twin. Also saying goodbye was Sgt. Randy Chandler of Port Republic. A veteran of the Cuba deployment, he was held back this time because of a health issue. He visited with several of the guardsmen, taking time with each. "I don't like this," he said. "I don't like this at all. Telling these guys goodbye is harder than it was telling my family goodbye when I left.

Cindy Corell/The News Leader Seth Lovell hugs his mother, Jan.

‘Angels’ to watch over local Guard
Troops will get support from home

By Erica M. Bush
The Winchester Star

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Winchester — When the Winchester-based unit of the National Guard mobilizes on Tuesday, the soldiers will leave home knowing that someone is thinking of them.

They will also depart with a guardian angel to watch over them.

Lillian Peck (from left) and Kristina Robinson, members of Girl Scout Troop 381, get some help from Katie Peck while preparing Soldiers’ Angels care packages on Sunday. (Photos by Ginger Perry)

On Sunday afternoon in Jim Barnett Park, volunteers from Soldiers’ Angels — a national organization whose mission is to provide aid and comfort to members of the armed forces and their families — prepared care packages for the local soldiers.

The packages, which include angel pins, cards, and a soldier’s prayer, will be given to soldiers in the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division of the Virginia Army National Guard at their mobilization ceremony at Shentel Stadium on Tuesday evening.

“It just lets them know that there is an angel in their pocket,” said Winchester resident Cindy Roach, a Soldiers’ Angels volunteer and leader of Winchester Girl Scout Troop 381, who also helped with preparing the packages on Sunday.

The local National Guard unit was federally mobilized on Saturday.

After a ceremony on Shenandoah University’s campus on Tuesday evening, they will be sent to Camp Shelby, Miss., for additional training for three months before being deployed overseas to support Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Girl Scout Lillian Peck, 10, said it’s important that soldiers know someone is thinking about them when they are away from home.

She sat on a bench under one of the park’s shelters on Sunday afternoon decorating brown paper bags, which will hold the goodies for the soldiers, with stickers and green ribbons.

Peck said her troop adopted a soldier not too long ago who is serving in Iraq. The girls send a card to their soldier once a week and a package once a month.

Volunteers from Soldiers’ Angels gather on Sunday in Jim Barnett Park to prepare items for the Winchester-based National Guard soldiers who will be deployed to Iraq. Pictured from left are Anna-Sofie Hickson of Arlington and Bethany Rice and Anita Austinson, both of Gainesville.

“It’s just so awesome,” Roach said about the Girls Scouts and Soldiers’ Angels efforts to provide support for the National Guard.

Soldiers’ Angels was started in 2003 by the mother of soldier who was deployed in Iraq. The soldier expressed concern that his fellow soldiers were not receiving any support from home.

Volunteers of the organization from Northern Virginia wrote cards on Sunday that local soldiers will be able to take with them when they leave.

Anna-Sofie Hickson, a volunteer from Arlington, will give the cards and care packages to local soldiers at their mobilization ceremony on Tuesday.

Hickson, who served in the Army from 1999-2003, became involved in Soldiers’ Angels after her best friend was killed in Iraq in 2004, she said.

She said the organization relies heavily on the Internet to find other people who are interested in helping to send care to deployed soldiers and their families.

Roach said on Sunday that Soldiers’ Angels and her Girl Scout troop will prepare care packages for the local Guard unit again in September before they deploy for Iraq.

The local National Guard unit has been deployed before, serving as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from July 2004 until July 2005.

The mission sent the unit to Afghanistan, where two members of the company — Staff Sgt. Craig Cherry, 39, of Winchester, and Sgt. Bobby Beasley, 36, of Inwood, W.Va. — were killed in August 2004 when an improvised explosive device struck their armored Humvee.

From the Associated Press: June 24, 2007

BAQOUBA, Iraq - The U.S. commander of a new offensive north of Baghdad, reclaiming insurgent territory day by day, said Sunday his Iraqi partners may be too weak to hold onto the gains. The Iraqi military does not even have enough ammunition, said Brig. Gen. Mick Bednarek: "They're not quite up to the job yet."

His counterpart south of Baghdad seemed to agree, saying U.S. troops are too few to garrison the districts newly rid of insurgents. "It can't be coalition (U.S.) forces. We have what we have. There's got to be more Iraqi security forces," said Maj. Gen. Rick Lynch.

The two commanders spoke after a deadly day for the U.S. military in Iraq. At least 12 soldiers were killed on Saturday from roadside bombings and other causes, leaving at least 31 dead for the week.

How long have we been training the Iraqi Army? How much longer do we have to wait for the Iraqi's to do their own fighting? How many more American Soldiers have to die?
All the pundits say there isn't a military solution to this war...there has to be a political solution. I don't know much, but it seems to me there needs to be a religeous solution. In a land where you are Sunnis hate Shi‘ite and Shi'ite hates Sunni just because of who they are and what they believe I don't see a political solution. It's in the hearts and souls of these people and politics won't change this - we won't change them.

This article appeared in the Sunday, June 24 edition of the Staunton News Leader. A second article she wrote is several posts below. Cindy is one of my favorite writers as well as a wonderful person. Read and enjoy!


Twins' wives make plans to cope with separation
Cindy Corell
Connections

Jan and Ed Lovell have three grown sons. They are quite blessed. Josh is the oldest, and Seth and Eli are twins.

It's been a hectic time for the Lovells this spring. Seth and Eli's National Guard units are deploying to Iraq, leaving for training in Mississippi this week. Eli married his sweetheart in August, and Seth was planning to marry his June 30.

The deployment moved that family event up. Seth and Brittany Lovell were married June 9. I met with both couples earlier this month, and this is what I learned:

As mature as the 22-year-old twins are, their brides are even more impressive.

Both Brittany and Katie are headed into the medical field. Brittany is a student at James Madison University studying nursing. Katie recently graduated from Bridgewater College, and she has been accepted to Elon University, where she will work toward her doctorate in physical therapy.

Facing the deployment of their husbands, Brittany and Katie have plans for how they'll cope. They have two trips tentatively planned — one to see Lovell relatives in Colorado, and another to Manhattan.

"We're using all their family for places to stay," Brittany laughed.

And both will be working and studying to stay busy.

Brittany was a high school senior when she endured Seth's first deployment. While her high school classmates worried about fashion and dates, she tried to make it through news broadcasts from Afghanistan.

She didn't dance at her homecoming, because she said she wouldn't dance again until Seth was back in her arms.

When she graduated from Wilson Memorial High School, her beloved was in a foxhole 10,000 feet above the edge of Afghanistan.

And through that time, Katie watched her fiance cope with the harsh separation from his twin.

"I was pretty irritable," Eli said.

I noted that both young women are in the helping field, and Katie quickly pointed out that Brittany will work with blood and guts while she will provide therapy to the already-healing.

And in each other, Katie and Brittany will have a special bond — beyond that of friends and closer than that of sisters. They will lean on one another while they alternate sending care packages to a far off land to two lucky men.

So they sat at the table, these newlyweds, holding hands and waiting out the short time they had together.

Somehow I know that though in age they all are so young, they know something that most of us take years to learn. There's a closeness between these twins born seven minutes apart, and there's a magic in the beautiful women they've chosen.

Cindy Corell is the City Editor of The News Leader. E-mail her at ccorell@newsleader.com

The Long Goodbye

During the past week, Eli has been at the Winchester Armory and Seth has been at the Woodstock Armory. When we said goodbye last week little did we know that we would continue to say goodbye. Seth came home after Brittany's accident and they both came home Thursday evening. They got to spend Friday at home with Seth returning to the Armory Saturday morning for good. They will have some familiy acitivities on Sunday and then the Departure ceremony on Tuesday. Eli returns to the Armory Saturday morning to load trucks then gets to come home again. Every minute we spend with the boys is wonderful, but the long goodbyes are wearing. We know that Tuesday we will say goodbye for an extended time - we dont have information on any leave possibilities after the training in Mississippi. Tuesday will be another difficult day. I'll have pictures from the Departure Ceremonies. Seth's ceremony is Tuesday at 10:30 AM and Eli's is Tuesday at 7:00 PM......another day of goodbye's......

From the Winchester Star...June 21, 2007

Guard gets ready to go
Local soldiers heading to Iraq by way of Miss.

By Drew Houff
The Winchester Star

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WINCHESTER — A local unit of the National Guard will take an official step toward Iraq on Tuesday with a mobilization ceremony at Shentel Stadium.

The Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division of the Virginia Army National Guard begins its efforts on Saturday when the unit is federally mobilized, beginning activities to prepare for the full deployment.

ABOVE: Members of the Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 116th Infantry Regiment, 29th Division of the Virginia Army National Guard check their supplies and equipment on Wednesday in a field next to the National Guard Armory on Millwood Avenue in Winchester. BELOW: Sgt. 1st Class Thomas Clarke calls out the Army-issued items that his fellow soldiers will need when they are mobilized to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. (Photos by Rick Foster)

“We’re being mobilized to support Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Staff Sgt. Jason Bowen said on Wednesday. “The training will be theater-specific, helping them to handle the different environments and the different ways to use difficult technology.”

He likened that specialized training to efforts during World War II, when troops who fought in the Pacific campaign had a very different war from those in Europe.

Tuesday’s departure ceremony from Shentel Stadium on the Shenandoah University campus will begin at 6:30 p.m., and the public is invited to attend, Bowen said.

Once those events conclude, the National Guard will be sent to Camp Shelby, Miss., for additional training, said 1st Lt. Brian Ostrowski.

“We go on active duty next Tuesday and begin training for three months,” he said. “We then will support Operation Iraqi Freedom for the next nine to 12 months overseas.”

Bowen said he was hopeful that a large public turnout will greet the troops. “We really appreciated the support we got last time. The entire Winchester area seemed to be involved.”

The local National Guard unit has been deployed before, serving as part of Operation Enduring Freedom from July 2004 until July 2005, Bowen said, adding that the soldiers were mobilized in March 2004.

The mission sent the unit to Afghanistan, where two members of the company — Staff Sgt. Craig Cherry, 39, of Winchester, and Sgt. Bobby Beasley, 36, of Inwood, W.Va. — were killed in August 2004 when an improvised explosive device struck their armored Humvee.

“The combat veterans know what to expect,” he said. “The key is that they all return safely home.”

The War and the Warrior

One of the gratifying events since Seth and Eli learned of their deployment has been the support they have received from our community. Most people are quick to voice their opinion of the war or Little George (usually negative) and equally quick to voice support for the troops. Many people have offered that they voted for George, but feel betrayed by his actions. One of Seth and Eli's favorite teachers at WMHS noted that he's a life-long Republican, voted for Bush, but now feels like an idiot! There has, however, been no confusion between the war and the warrior. Hate the war, love the soldiers who are being called to do their duty and support them in every possible way. The Depot Grill gave the boy's free meals after learning they were being deployed. A professor at Bridgewater College paid for Eli and Katy's meal at Red Lobster after running into them and learning that the Eli would be leaving shortly for his deployment. Leaving the parking gararge after a meeting downtown, the garage attendent sent them on their way without collecting a parking fee. Grand Piano Furniture Company gave me a generous supply of bubble wrap when I explained I wanted to make extra padding for Seth and Eli's computer cases. We kidded about using the "Iraq Deployement Card" but our community is behind the soldiers even though most are not behind the war. How about a t-shirt that reads "Hate the War.....Love the Warrior!"
You know that's not a bad idea!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Washington Gets Something Right!

Associated Press | June 16, 2007

WASHINGTON - Legislation passed by Congress would require all federal agencies in a state to comply with a governor's request that they fly their flags at half-staff to honor a fallen service member.

The bill, which now goes to President Bush for his signature, was crafted by Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich., who was upset by what he said was the "inconsistent, patchwork display of respect" in his state toward troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The House passed the bill in May and the Senate approved it late Thursday - Flag Day - on a voice vote.

The measure would amend federal law with regard to the flying of the national flag at half-staff to allow a governor to require that federal facilities in the state lower their flags when a member of the armed forces from that state dies while on active duty.

It is named for Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks, a 22-year-old from Rapid River in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan who was killed in Iraq last year.

Stupak said there were several instances in his state of federal facilities ignoring the governor's request to lower flags, and this was particularly painful in rural communities when funeral facilities pass through multiple communities, some with lowered flags, some without.

In the Senate, the bill was backed by Armed Services Committee Chairman Carl Levin, D-Mich., who said that flying the flag at half-staff was "one of the most powerful ways we honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice."

More than 3,800 Members of the military have died as a result of the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Brittany and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day.

When the boys were little, one of their favorite books to have read to them was "Alexander and the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad day." It's the tale of a little boy who suffers one calamity after another making for a very bad day. Brittany experienced that day yesterday. Early Monday morning, Brittany said goodbye to Seth as he left to report to the Woodstock Armory by 7:30 AM. As if that didn't make the day bad enough, she was rear-ended while running errands Monday afternoon. She suffered some mild whiplash, but the accident did bring Seth home for the evening allowing for one more meal, one more visit to Kline' s for ice cream, one more night at home and one more goodbye!
Eli is currently at Fort Pickett and Seth departs for Pickett tomorrow. News Flash......just got off the phone with Seth. He goes to Pickett tomorrow and will return to Woodstock on Thursday. He should be released Thursday evening and will return home. He reports back to the Armory on Saturday morning.....the long good-bye! No word on Eli. We also know that the departure ceremony for both boys is Tuesday the 26th. That's the day they will depart for Camp Shelby, Mississippi and the real training begins!

The Meaning of Bittersweet

Up until recently I thought "Bittersweet" was a kind of chocolate.........It has only been in the last month where I have learned the real meaning of "bittersweet." Bittersweet is buying your first house and moving in knowing that you won't live there for with your wife or husband for the next year. Bittersweet is marrying your sweetheart knowing that a week later you will be leaving for an extended period of time.

Katy and Eli purchased a house in North Carolina and we spent Memorial Day weekend moving them in. It was their plan to move to N.C. after graduating from Bridgewater College for Katy to pursue her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Elon College. They're following the plan even though Eli won't be with her in their new house. Knowing that their immediate future includes a long seperation made the move bittersweet!

Seth and Brittany wed on June 9. They had been planning on a June 30 wedding, but Uncle Sam and George "the youngster" had different plans. Bittersweet is marrying the love of your life and knowing you have nine days to enjoy each other before leaving for deployment. During his toast, Eli noted that there is a country music song for every occassion. As he was considering the lyrics to "I can make a full-time job out of loving you," his cell phone rang. As he infomed the crowd George was calling to remind Seth that he had a full-time job for the next year! Eli then spoke from the heart saying that their song could be Bill Withers classic "Lean on Me." For the next year we'll be leaning on each other at we again endure the worry and frustration of having children, husbands and brothers in harm's way.

Twins ready for deployment
Brothers to report to armories Monday
By Cindy Corell/staff
ccorell@newsleader.com

They admit it was unusually impulsive joining the Virginia National Guard with little if any discussion beforehand.

Twins Seth and Eli Lovell, 22, aren't generally spontaneous when it comes to major life changes, but once one of them was in, both of them were in.

"Seth had been talking to the recruiter, but I hadn't," Eli Lovell explained. "I didn't really know what I wanted to do."

So one April afternoon, the 18-year-old Wilson Memorial High School student walked into the recruiter's office, asked some questions and signed on the dotted line. He didn't say much when he got home.

"I didn't tell them that day," he said. When he told their father, Ed, he heard the expected, "I can't believe you did that without talking to us." Their mother, Jan, cried. Older brother Josh was surprised, but supportive.

When he told his twin brother, he got the expected response as well.

Seth joined up with Uncle Sam, too.

"We've always been competitive," Seth explained with a grin.

Both serve with the 116th Infantry Brigade Combat Team. Eli is a medic with a forward support battalion out of Charlottesville, and Seth is a member of Bravo Co., 3rd Battalion out of the Woodstock armory.

On Monday, the Lovell twins will report to their respective armories to prepare for deployment. On June 26, they will depart for Camp Shelby, Miss., for more training before heading overseas.

They've been busy.

Seth married his sweetheart, Brittany, on June 9. They had planned to marry June 30, but the deployment changed that. And in their honeymoon phase, the newest Mrs. Lovell is sharing Seth with friends and family before he departs. Eli's wife of nearly a year, Katy, is doing the same thing.

Eli had gotten word in April that he would be deployed. He was in class at Bridgewater College when a sergeant called his cell phone. He was assigned to ship out with a cavalry unit in May, he learned.

It didn't take long for him to realize that his brother's infantry unit would be deploying as well. Separate deployments and separate departure dates could place them in different parts of the Middle East.

But first, he had to tell his wife. He left campus and took a walk by the North River. When Katy called, he asked her to come to the river.

"I tried to tell myself that wasn't the reason," Katy said. "I could see by the look in his eye what it was."

The next step was trying to transfer into Seth's unit. So far, he's in the same battalion, but the two are still in separate units.

"We'll try again when we get to Mississippi," Seth said.

The first time the twins were separated for more than two nights was when Seth went to James Madison University and Eli headed to Bridgewater. Basic training and more extensive training was planned for the next February, so they would be together on their birthday as usual, but the family would miss out on it. As it turned out, Seth was in the hospital with pnuemonia, so he stayed home for the Feb. 11 celebration, but Eli was gone for seven months training as a medic in Texas.

Then came Seth's first deployment — he left in 2004 for 18 months, with nearly a year in Afghanistan.

Accustomed to speaking by phone several times a day, they only were able to speak for a few minutes maybe once a week. Phone calls from war zones are limited to calls through satellite phones at the military base. If they aren't deployed together, phone calls between the two will be difficult at best.

Older by seven minutes, Seth is the source Eli looks to for advice for his first deployment — from what to pack to what to expect.

And their brides are going through the same adjustment. Older by three years, Katie Lovell looks to 19-year-old Brittany for ways to cope with the deployment.

"She's just a wonderful person, so it will be easy to talk to her," Katie said. And this time Brittany will have a close friend who will understand the impact the separation takes on someone.

"I'll be able to cry to her," Brittany said.