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Echo Company soldiers take part in annual Family Day
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Posted on Dec 29 2004
Echo Company troops home for the holidays spent yesterday splashing in the pools of Pacific Islands Club, enjoying the company of friends and family during its annual Family Day before returning to the U.S. mainland for further training.
“This is an annual gathering we have every December and it’s a time for the families to spend time together and get to know each other,” said Family Readiness Group advisor Celina Babauta.
Several of the troops who were on island, however, were not able to take part in the activity, according to Company Commander Franklin Babauta, who said members have already begun their journey back for training.
Babauta said several members left yesterday, while the remainder would leave today, tomorrow, and in the coming days.
The troops arrived last week. About 30, however, were not able to return for the holidays.
Company E, comprising a little over 100 troops from Saipan, Rota, Tinian, and Guam, was recently training in Fort Bliss, Texas. After their Christmas leave, the reservists will move to Fort Polk in Louisiana, where they will undergo a simulated combat training based on the standards of the U.S Army.
The soldiers will start moving in February 2005 to Iraq, where they will stay for a maximum of one year.
The current policy of the Army is to limit the deployment tour of duty to 12 months. However, the timeline is subject to change anytime, depending on how the war in Iraq develops.
The company is part of the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry.
Celina said this year’s gathering was well attended compared to past years.
“Sometimes only the soldier and spouse would come, but this year, we had more turnout, I guess because they know they’re leaving and this is a family thing, and for the kids,” she said. “It’s a time for enjoyment.”
The activity is funded by the U.S. Army, and also ties in with various activities in the past, including recognition of volunteers, among others.
