Emotional Sendoff Ceremony for Soldiers Heading to War

By Claire Kellett, Anchor/Reporter

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By Daren Sukhram

Story Created: Jul 15, 2009 at 5:10 PM CST

Story Updated: Jul 15, 2009 at 5:16 PM CST

CEDAR RAPIDS - Soldiers of the Army Reserve's 649th Regional Support Group expect a lot of changes at home while they spend the next year serving overseas.

But the changes many soldiers say they're dreading involve their families, especially their children's growth over the next 12 months without them.

The more than 50 soldiers from eastern Iowa and other states will spend a year performing base operations in Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

It was obvious at Wednesday's ceremony that the soldiers were just as proud of their families as their families are of them. Both sides had a lot of trouble saying goodbye.

Sendoff ceremonies are sometimes the last chance families have to take pictures with their soldiers before they head overseas. The Duwa family picture took some coordination. That's what happens when you have enough family to fill five rows of basketball bleachers.

Master Sergeant Jeff Duwa is the youngest of ten children. Not every sibling could make this afternoon ceremony, but his fan club here had 25 family members.

"It really helps out. Nice to have a lot of family coming around you," said Master Sgt. Jeff Duwa, 649th Regional Support Group.

His wife Jill says she will rely on such family support to help her and their seven-year-old daughter Anna while Jeff serves a year in Afghanistan.

"We have love. Not everyone has that. We're very lucky," said Jill Duwa.

Emily Lawrence and Danial Donley feel lucky they'll have each other overseas, but this couple doesn't want to say goodbye to their seven-month-old Carson.

"I'm not looking forward to it because we'll be missing out on all the first things," said Emily Lawrence, 649 Regional Support Group.

"He's young, haven't been able to spend much time with him," said Danial Donley, 649 Regional Support Group.

The couple is leaving Carson with Emily's mother and a list of instructions.

So they don't miss out on too many memories, web cams will help all three soldiers communicate with their families until they can be back with them in person.

Both families say they'll certainly count down the days until their soldiers safely return home.

The soldiers leave Thursday for training in California before heading to Afghanistan. Many of them say they don't have anything special planned for Wednesday night. They just want to be with family and friends.

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