‘Well-being of soldiers of utmost importance’

Echo Company commander Franklin R. Babauta assured families of the soldiers under him that the lives and well-being of him men are of paramount importance to him and that they are being trained to acquit themselves well when they finally deploy to Iraq.

“During this uncertain time, my soldier’s lives and their well-being are of utmost importance. Let me re-assure you that we are trained and prepared to execute any mission the president may ask of us,” he said.

Babauta, other members of Company E, and other active military personnel are currently on island, enjoying a brief holiday stay.

“We have committed ourselves in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, a job that is demanding not just only of mind and body but of heart and spirit as well,” he said. “When we complete our training, we will not walk away to take our place behind a desk or behind a service counter. We will step up and out to take our place as American citizens and in the front lines of danger, a job that is hard, but a job that is necessary, nonetheless.”

“Among our responsibilities, we will put our lives on the line to serve, protect and defend the United States Constitution,” Babauta added.

He said that being a soldier is not a job that one may take up and put down at leisure but is a calling that some may not understand.

“When we are ‘in the box’ many times we will be tempted to quit when we find ourselves hard pressed against the walls of our own mental and physical limitations” but with continued support, the troops will remain firm in accomplishing their mission.

“We will scale those walls and move on to the next challenge,” he said. “This after all is the life of a soldier, a life of beating barriers and going through obstacles to get the mission done no matter how difficult the going may be.”

Babauta expressed appreciation on behalf of Commanding General, Brig. Gen. John Ma, Battalion Commander LTC Alan Ostermiller, the troops, and their families.

“It is deeply touching to see our entire community pull together for a common cause,” he said. “I am grateful for the opportunity to take charge and serve with your sons, brothers, and fathers as we fulfill our obligations as American citizens.

“It is my honor to give special thanks to our families, for their untiring patience, understanding and commitment they have given us throughout our military service. We are grateful for the support and sacrifices you have made. During our trials and tribulations, you have been there for us. Truly, you are our heroes.”