Janesville-based company preparing for Iraq
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National Guard deployment
National Guard soldiers make preparations for overseas deployment
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Sgt. Justin Sonnentag greets his then-9-month-old daughter, Ashlyn, at the Dane County Regional Airport after returning home from deployment. He had been able to come back for her birth, but had to return to Iraq and didn’t get to see her again until his assignment was over.
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Sonnentag and Ashlyn, now 2 1/2, share a moment during a send-off dinner and ceremony at Craig High School earlier this month. Sonnentag is preparing for his third deployment since 2003.
JANESVILLE — For a year, Janesville's Alpha Company has been getting ready for deployment.
At home, that's meant packing apartments, setting up automatic bill payments, arranging for power of attorney to be transferred to family members, looking for day care help for the spouse that's left behind …
The list goes on and on.
And then there are the emotional preparations: Moms and dads thinking about being away from their young children for a year, newlyweds saying goodbye to spouses, young men and women finding themselves in the odd position of reassuring their parents about their safety.
And now, with only days to go, the 130 members of Alpha Company are packing suitcases, loading equipment bags and checking new equipment at the Janesville Armory before leaving for Fort Bliss, Texas—and then Iraq.
Officials don't want to give an exact departure date for security reasons, and the company's exact location in the field can't be announced.
But they said members of Alpha Company, which is part of the 132nd Support Battalion in the 32nd Infantry Brigade, will be doing what they're trained to do: Keeping troops supplied with everything from water to munitions.
The entire 32nd Infantry Brigade, which includes nearly 3,500 Wisconsin troops, is deploying to Iraq, the brigade's biggest deployment since World War II.
Members of Alpha Company talked Thursday about their preparations.
Bryan Schneider
Pfc. Schneider, 20, Janesville, will leave behind his wife, April, and their 2-month-old son, Sabastion Scott.
Schneider joined the Army National Guard in 2006, just out of high school.
"I wanted a new start," Schneider said. "And I wanted money for college—I would love to go to college."
He's known for about a year that he would be deployed and has been "adjusting" to it.
"This deployment kind of grew on me, I guess," Schneider said, who will be serving as a truck driver.
Schneider and his company will have access to the Internet, so he'll be able to get photos of his little son.
Schneider spoke with pride about his wife's support for their family.
"She's a very proud army wife, and she makes that known," Schneider said. "She's been with me in everything I've decided to do."
Jessica Torres
Specialist Torres, 20, Janesville, will leave her father and two siblings.
Torres joined when she was 17, right out of high school.
"I wanted to do something different, something worthwhile," Torres said. "And I wanted money for school—I didn't want to put my family into debt.
Her father has been "a little nervous" about her deployment.
"My sister, she just wants me to come back home soon because we're best friends," Torres said.
She knew when she signed up that she probably would be deployed.
"I know I'm in a good unit, and we've got good leadership," said Torres, who will be a truck driver. "I'm not looking forward to the training, but I'm excited about getting on the ground, in county."
Jamie Evans
Specialist Evans, 27, Beloit, will leave his son, Keaton, 5; daughter, CaShya, 1, and wife, Colleen.
Evans is on his second deployment, but this will be his first deployment overseas. He worked on "Operation Jump Start," helping build fences on the Mexican-American border.
Evans works in battalion supply and is going to be a "warehouse guy."
He signed up on St. Patrick's Day 2006—appropriate because he'd be wearing a lot of green in the future.
"I'm actually third-generation army—my grandfather and my father both served," Evans said.
He says he's excited and "ready to serve" but doesn't relish leaving his family behind.
"It never gets easier," Evans said. "When I left for basic, my son he was a little guy, and I'm calling home, and all of a sudden he's talking to me on the phone. This time when I come home, my little girl will be talking a lot better."
When he was in Arizona working on the border fence, his family was able to visit.
"Now, they won't be able to come visit—even though my son is asking all the time if he can come over to visit," Evans said.
Before he leaves, he'll be visiting his son's kindergarten class, and the teacher asked him to come in uniform.
"I know that the first question is going to be, 'Do you get to shoot somebody' and I'm going to be, like, 'No, I'm not going to get to shoot somebody,'" Evans said.
However, he will show them the cool Velcro pockets on his uniform.
Derek Butkiewicz
Specialist Butkiewicz, 26, Milwaukee, will leave his mom, dad, sister, nieces and goddaughter.
Butkiewicz will serve as a truck driver, and this is his first deployment.
"Both of my grandfathers were in World War II," Butkiewicz said. "I wanted to honor and respect their service."
Butkiewicz volunteered to go overseas in the past but was hampered by the amount of dental work he needed on his teeth.
Now, five pulled teeth and seven dental appointments later, he's excited to go.
In the past couple of weeks, he's been busy preparing his mom and sister for his deployment.
"I've been trying to do things with them, to be there for them and show them how much I care about them," Butkiewicz said.
Blair Otterholt
Specialist Otterholt, 19, Tomahawk, will leave his mom and dad, who both served in the Army.
Otterholt will serve as a truck driver.
He wanted money for college.
"I also got a motorcycle with my bonus," Otterholt said with a grin, "a Harley-Davidson."
National Guard Sergeant loves job—but not leaving his kids
Sgt. Justin Sonnentag is preparing for his third military deployment.
The Evansville man said he loves his job as a full-time Wisconsin National Guard member. He's a career guy and usually works at the Janesville Armory, the home of Alpha Company.
That said, he doesn't like the part of his job that involves leaving his wife and two children behind.
Later this month, Sonnentag, 27, and the rest of Alpha Company will be sent to Fort Bliss, Texas, for training before shipping out to Iraq.
The company will be gone for a year or more.
"For my first deployment, I was single and didn't have any kids," Sonnentag said.
That was 2003, and he was gone for 8 months.
For his second deployment in 2006, he was away for 18 months but was able to come home for the birth of his first child, Ashlyn.
Now, he and his wife, Toni, have another child, a 6-month-old son named Tyler.
"It's not easy," Sonnentag said. "But it's what I signed up for."
During his last deployment, Toni said, her mom was able to help.
This time, his parents will be closer.
Still, it's not easy.
"People ask me how I do it," Toni said. "Well, you just get up every morning and do it."
Feb 25, 2009 at 11:44 a.m.
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Best wishes for a complete safe return.. I hope our communities can watch over your loved ones, as you are watching over us!
Feb 25, 2009 at 11:14 a.m.
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dougn5670 --- please state the article of the Geneva convention you say is not being followed.
Feb 25, 2009 at 10:28 a.m.
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Doug: if you think the war is expensive3 what do you think will happen now that your Messiah has signed the so called "stimulus" package?? Your great grandchildren will be paying for it!! I'm so glad that we have soldiers who fight for us, and for you too, then you have the right to say what you do. Also, terrorists do not have to swim here, as per 9/11 you can see that they were already here and they are still here today! Get off your high horse and realize they (our soldiers) fight for your freedoms as well as eveyone else's! Thank you all you brave men and women!
Feb 25, 2009 at 8:54 a.m.
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To all of Janesville's Alpha Company, my family & I thank you for your willingness to sacrifice, & your willingness to put your lives on the line to keep citizens of this country free. All of you soldiers are in our prayers. Be Safe!!!
PS.. When are they going to start recruiting the disabled???!! ok.. dumb question... never, right..
Feb 24, 2009 at 1:54 p.m.
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Thank you. There are no other words that can be said to you men and women. Because of you, we can be here, on our computers and internet, voicing our opinions.
Good luck and come home to us!!
teacher2b, when I began reading some posts I immediately thought of the same bumper sticker as you, so I thought it fitting to (attempt) to post it on here for all. However, apparently you can't post pictures within these comments, so here is the link.
http://i231.photobucket.com/albums/ee77/...
Feb 22, 2009 at 6:40 p.m.
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doug,
You are smart.
"I would fight if I was supposed to and I have just as much courage as any of the troops" You should get a dictionary and try to understand what the word courage means. It has nothing to do with what someone is "supposed to do". Do yourself a favor and have a fourth grader read your comment before you post it.
Feb 22, 2009 at 6:39 p.m.
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Dougn5670: If you think that you could provide the correct information why don't you join the intelligence agencies? Many of the comments that come from people who are against the war always complain about false information. What are your sources of accurate information? Was the information given Clinton correct but the same information given to Bush wrong? Right now we have a war going on and our troops need the full support of a united nation behind the mission they are on. Save your hate and anger for the enemy, because if we fail, that enemy maybe knocking on your front door. You have the right to your opinion on the war just don't use it to aid the enemy. Remember, they like to see a nation divided against its self, makes it easier for them. Oh yes, I retired after 20yrs in the military and yes I would go again now if needed even if it meant defending your rights to free speech.
Feb 22, 2009 at 5:53 p.m.
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No, doughn maybe the terrorists will repeat 9/11. Or use biochemical warfare. We do not know. At least our Government does not just stand by and let a dictatorship progress.
I am grateful to the soldiers who will risk their life defending Freedom.
Feb 21, 2009 at 4:04 p.m.
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Completely wipe us out? Gee I never thought of it that way. What are they going to do swim over here?
Feb 21, 2009 at 3:09 p.m.
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P.S. just a bit of logic, there is no amount of coins saved from avoiding war that will be life! If we don't protect our country, guess what? There will be no people to spend the money saved from avoiding war, because the terrorists will completely wipe each and every one of us out, and they will be laughing all the way to THEIR bank.
Feb 21, 2009 at 3:05 p.m.
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Dougn5670.....how nice that you can sit and shoot your amunition through the little keyboard in front of you! You know what? My grandfather was the second arriving batallion in WWII, and had the luxury of stepping over the bodies of all the ambushed first ones. He didn't have the luxury of using words as ammunition,he had to use his wit, luck, bullets, protection of his brothers and sisters and faith to come home safe so an idiot like you can sit and rip apart a bunch of heros. WHETHER you are or I agree WHY we are at war has NOTHING to do with the fact that they CHOOSE to be where they are for reasons unknown to us, but because of ALL OF US! I suggest you close your trap....you just hurt a lot of people more than they already are! Kudos to you!!!
Feb 21, 2009 at 2:59 p.m.
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It just proves that people not in the Military will all go along with anything that someone above them tells them to do, I bet the taxes we are paying for this war are way higher porportionally than the taxes on tea were back then. You just traded one bad ruler for another. It takes true courage not to give into a ruthless government like the U.S. has been. From the genocide of the Indians to the killing and torturing of thousands of innocent Iraqis. It would be different if we were following the geneva convention but I don't think anybody cares about anybody but themselves. The soliders are of course very courageous but it is just too bad they have to fight for people like you. I would fight if I was supposed to and I have just as much courage as any of the troops, this isn't about insulting my character which is just a pretty cheap tactic when your afraid to look at a situation and think about it which is what really needs to be done. Think
Feb 21, 2009 at 2:31 p.m.
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Thank you and God Speed. Our community will support your loved ones and our prayers and support will be with you for a safe deployment and speedy return. May God Bless you all.
Feb 21, 2009 at 11:48 a.m.
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Let's see more of those yellow ribbons around
the tree's in this town.....
Feb 20, 2009 at 8:43 p.m.
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Good luck,god speed,and happy hunting.
Feb 20, 2009 at 8:40 p.m.
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I saw a bumper sticker or something once that I thought put things quite nicely. It said something like...
"If you do not want to stand behind our troops feel free to stand in front of them."
Good luck and thank you Alpha Company.
Feb 20, 2009 at 8:09 p.m.
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Dougn5670
For those that serve, Freedom has a flavor the protected will never know. Is it not wonderful to have so much freedom Bought and Paid for by the Sacrifices of other Men and Women from generation to generation just so you can insult them without fear of reprisal? Awesome huh?
Feb 20, 2009 at 7:56 p.m.
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My best friend happens to be the 1SG of the A-CO. I am very proud of 1SG and his soldiers. My family and I will be here for him and his family for anything they may need. We may not all agree with this war, or any war for that matter. But we should atleast be proud of and support our troops for doing what they do. If it were not for these brave men and women and men and women of past wars, we would not have the freedoms we have today. So, to all those men and women serving our country, I give a LOUD AND PROUD, HOOAH!!!!!!!!!! Stay Safe 1SG and the rest of the soldiers also.
Feb 20, 2009 at 7:50 p.m.
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dougn5670: First of all you do not need to support the war to support our troops. The oath they and myself took states: that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the Governor of (STATE NAME) and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to law and regulations. So help me God. Members of the military want to serve their country. they know that war might happen. They do not get to choose their battles. It's up to us to press our elected officials to keep things like this happening. We were too busy watching American Idol playing video games to pay attention and let that booger eating moron get elected not once but twice. I was a member of the US Army Reserve 1988-96 I do not support this war. If I was still in and was called to duty I signed on for I would perform to the best of my ability to get myself and my unit home safe, I will always support and pray for our troops. I wish you all the best get home safe. Thank you all and God bless.
Feb 20, 2009 at 6:38 p.m.
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Alpha Company, thank you for serving your country. And thank you also, families of these people, for the sacrifices you make in their absence!
Feb 20, 2009 at 5:40 p.m.
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My Grandson will be serving under First Sergeant and I for one could not be prouder of the unit. These soldiers are well trained and they love their country, that is why they are serving. We will pray for all the soldiers safety. As far as Doug 5670 you sound very uneducated and very bitter.
Feb 20, 2009 at 5:11 p.m.
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1SG and all the rest of A-CO, thank you for your service to our country. There's not much else anyone can add after reading your words. Please post a address that we can send care packages when that is known. We'll be praying for you.
Feb 20, 2009 at 5:09 p.m.
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Well said, topsgt. Good luck.
Feb 20, 2009 at 4:42 p.m.
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Good luck and God bless
Feb 20, 2009 at 4:26 p.m.
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I am the First Sergeant for the Janesville unit. I have seen several articles and TV reports on the upcoming deployment over the last few months.
On behalf of the men and women of Company A, I would like to thank all of you for your prayers, well wishes and kind words. The outpouring of support from the community is generous beyond expectations.
Roughly 35% of the unit is preparing for their second tour. The NCOs are some of the best I have worked with and the junior Soldiers are eager to serve.
Dougn5670....I serve so my children and grandchildrem may not have to serve. In Iraq, under Saddam Hussien, people were taken out back and shot for speaking up against the government. One of the beautiful things about America is that everyone has the FREEDOM to voice their opinion without fear. On behalf of my Soldiers, YOUR WELCOME!!!
Feb 20, 2009 at 3:59 p.m.
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A big Thank You to all of you. My brother was there during Desert Storm and our family appreciated the support we were given at that time. I will always support our troops!
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:26 p.m.
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You go tom1cass2. Just know there are people out there that support these guy's no matter what. I have seen how proud your husband is of doing his job even tho at times it's not easy. Just know that we are there for you and the kids while he is gone. God bless everyone of the soldiers in your husbands unit. And I see how committed they all are. They are doing what they are proud of. Stay safe and come home soon. Call if you need anything cause you know we are there for you.
Feb 20, 2009 at 2:13 p.m.
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nurse...., I don't think thekid would mind paying a tea tax!!!
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:59 p.m.
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Doughn-I bet you would have been one that paid The Tea Tax under the British Government...
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:47 p.m.
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The second part of that comment was for dougn5670, just to clarify.
Feb 20, 2009 at 1:45 p.m.
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Good looking out tom1cass2. My husband and brother are both going over there. This is what they signed up for and they are proud of what they do. Just because you think its a waste, doesn't mean a darn thing to any of us. I am so proud of each and every member of the armed forces. You will all be in my prayers.
Feb 20, 2009 at 12:41 p.m.
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One more thing dougn5670 I would like to see you show the courage to go over to a war zone. It doesn't take courage to write in the paper IT MAKES ME SICK.
Feb 20, 2009 at 12:23 p.m.
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Dougn5670 my husband is one of these soldiers thats going over. You make me sick not supporting the young men and women that are letting people like you have your opionions. These men and women are proud of what they are doing and peoples attitudes like yours is not going to effect the mission they have to do. The will do it with pride no matter what you say or think!
Feb 20, 2009 at 11:50 a.m.
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This makes me sick. The Guard should never have to go fight some war based on false intelligence. If all you support this war so much why don't you go enlist. Or enlist your chilsren or grand children. They are going to be paying for it anyways.
Feb 20, 2009 at 11:23 a.m.
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thank you for your scarifices and dedication to keep us all safe...
Feb 20, 2009 at 10:40 a.m.
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This just brings home the fact that freedom is not free, it is hard won! Thank you to all you brave people and God be with you!
Feb 20, 2009 at 10:30 a.m.
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Thank you for your heartfelt service to our country. Our thoughts are with you as you serve and we'll help look after your family.
Feb 20, 2009 at 10:27 a.m.
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Wish I could go with you. Take care of each other and Keep the Faith. May God Bless and Return You Safely To Us.
P.S.
Let us know where to send the CARE packages and what you need.
Feb 20, 2009 at 10:17 a.m.
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We should be very proud of these young soldiers, they are so dedicated to protecting our country. They do it for the PRIDE not the money. Good luck and GOD bless.
Feb 20, 2009 at 9:31 a.m.
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Thank you !!!!!!
Feb 20, 2009 at 9:22 a.m.
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Godspeed, and stay safe.
Feb 20, 2009 at 9:21 a.m.
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Good bye & God bless you all & may you all have a safe return!
Feb 20, 2009 at 9:17 a.m.
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Good luck to all and GOD BLESS.
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