WKBT La Crosse, WI-NewsChannel 8-Tomah National Guard Unit prepares to deploy to Iraq

Reported by Kristen Elicerio

Tomah National Guard Unit prepares to deploy to Iraq

A military unit out of Tomah is preparing for its upcoming deployment to Iraq. The 732nd maintenance battalion is sending close to 90 of its members to provide combat support.  

The unit is a CSSB, or a Combat Sustainment Support Battalion.  After being put on notification more than a year ago, they were told in October they'd be serving as a support unit to overseas soldiers.  Though their mission in the country will be to support other units, they train for everything to prepare.

Once deployed they'll provide necessary supplies to units stationed in Iraq.  Captain Kevin Gregar says,  "we'll be providing logistical support on an area basis. Everything from water and ice to food to bigger items like humvees and trucks."

Many of the soldiers going have volunteered for this tour of duty.  Still, they say knowing they'll have to leave loved ones behind will be difficult.  Specialist First Class Scott Molle says, "it's really hard for the families, especially with their kids, plus your wife.  It's a lot of responsibility on their shoulders of having to take the place as the father or mother goes over to be that main person."

When they mobilize in mid-May, soldiers of the 732nd will first travel to Indiana for about a month for training before deploying overseas.

The Tomah community is holding a send off for these soldiers on Saturday, May 9th at the Tomah High School. Soldiers say the ceremony is a chance to say thank you and recognize families who play a very important role in their deployment.