Saturday, June 13, 2009

Socorro sends National Guard unit off to Iraq

Gerald Garner Jr. El Defensor Chieftain Editor, ggarner@dchieftain.com

GGARNER Hundreds of Socorro-area residents turned out to honor members of the New Mexico National Guard Wednesday as the unit prepares for its August deployment to Iraq.

The Plaza was packed with family, friends and well-wishers who were on hand to thank the members of the 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion — who were based in Socorro for five years before being relocated to Belen in March — and to wish them a safe and speedy return.

Approximately 80 members comprise the 515th. Of those, eight --Maj. Donnie Braught, Spc. Ernest Archuleta, Sgt. David Buczala, Staff Sgt. Pedro Guerrero, Pvt. 1st Class Manuel Lopez, Spec. Gilbert Murillo, Sgt. Patrick Murillo and Sgt. 1st Class Chris Van Winkle — call Socorro home.

Staff Sgt. Guerrero, whose family was among those attending Wednesday's "patriotic picnic," said the community's show of support was almost overwhelming.

"I can't believe it," Guerrero said shortly after the unit's arrival. "This support is amazing. When we pulled into town it didn't appear that too many people were going to participate. As soon we pulled onto the Plaza and saw everyone there waiting for us, it really choked me up.

Guerrero said knowing that there are so many who care about the soldiers makes it easier to deal with the pending deployment.

"I don't mind going knowing that our families, our friends and our community is behind us," he said.

Lt. Col. Ken Nava, who heads the 515th, said the unit was originally called the Guardians of the Philippine Sun.

"Now we're the guardians of New Mexico's sun," Nava said after being presented with a New Mexico flag. "We will fly this in Iraq."

Braught previously told El Defensor Chieftain the unit's mission is to provide supplies — including water, food, ammunition and general supply — to the frontline.

Five years ago, the 515th was deployed to Iraq. However, only one member of the current battalion was among those who served during that deployment. This year's deployment, Braught said, should last approximately one year.

In addition to the Socorro soldiers, the 515th boasts soldiers who hail from Las Cruces to Taos and many points in between.

The unit leaves Monday, June 22, for additional training in Indiana before eventually heading to the Middle East in August.

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