PINELLAS PARK, Fla. (WFLA) — 165 soldiers are saying goodbye to their families for a while.
Members of the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team are getting ready to deploy to Ukraine. The Florida National Guard hosted the deployment ceremony Tuesday.
Team members will help train and mentor the Ukrainian Armed Forces to improve their training and defense. Brigade soldiers will work with Armed Forces Ukraine partners to develop and implement systems to enhance combat training and increase training capacity by delivering brigade-and-below collective training to four Armed Forces Ukraine Brigades.
“We’ll head to Texas for a week or two, finish some last training, then upon training in Texas we will deploy to Ukraine,” Colonel Jerry Glass said. “It’s emotional because you know there’s going to be separation and know you’re going to miss your loved ones.”
For many soldiers, it’s their second, third, fourth or fifth tour of duty in a combat zone. It’s Amber Meurer’s first deployment. She joined the Army four years ago.
“I decided I need something for me, try a new challenge, so I decided to join the army and they took me,” Meurer said.
Meurer has a roller-coaster of emotions. She has no children, just her K-9, and other family members, but she’s excited.
“It’s comforting to see the community come together to support their family and friends because we’re all a family as soldiers,” Meurer said. “My family loves and supports me so I know it’ll be okay.”
The team is looking at a 9 to 12 month deployment.
Mission: To “help train and mentor the Ukrainian Armed Forces to improve…”
Geez, why don’t they just say:
“The jab isn’t quite doing what we need to get done so we need a big war. Go get those guys ready to play their part. Oil, water, poppies, and lithium abound!! So does land, and more land. All for us!! And oh yeah, don’t forget about those pesky patriots, the American variety. They’ll be on the frontlines throwin’ a wrench into our plans.”
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Makes me wonder if our EFIO’s patsies are going to be used as that country’s gestapo?
Word has it the troops were asking if Ukrainian food is as good as Afghani food.
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WHY?!!! There is absolutely no need to send US Soldiers to Ukraine. I see Miss Amber doesn’t realize the deep steaming pile she just stepped into. And, why did they say she has a K-9 instead of saying she has a pet doggie?