Families say goodbye as Alaskan units deploy

  • Published
  • By Samantha L. Quigley
  • American Forces Press Service
ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska (AFPN) --  About 100 servicemembers from the Air Force and the Alaska Army National Guard deployed from here Aug. 30 to the Middle East.

The servicemembers did not express much apprehension about the mission ahead of them, but their family members showed signs of uneasiness.

Erin Ellingwood, wife of Staff Sgt. David Ellingwood, said she knew what she was getting herself into when she married into the military. But still, she said, it was not easy watching her husband deploy.

"I married him and I knew he was in the Air Force," Mrs. Ellingwood said. "(Deploying) is part of what we do. It's part of being a family that serves the country."

She said she keeps her fears in check by reminding herself that "the vast majority of people come home."

"We have people living all around us that have gone and come home, and it's OK," she said.

Sergeant Ellingwood is a diesel mechanic here with the 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, and this is his first deployment into a combat zone. He said he expects his deployment to Balad Air Base, Iraq, to last about four months, and it should go quickly if his daughter, Christen, 6, has her way. She plans on sending him lots of letters and pictures.

Some spouses and children had more reservations about seeing their loved ones heading off to a combat zone, as was the case for Rebecca Rela and her children.

Mrs. Rela's husband, Airman 1st Class John Rela with the 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron, said he does not know how long he will be deployed. That worries Mrs. Rela a little because she will be home with 8-month-old Toby who just sat up on his own for the first time Aug. 29.

Airman Rela said it is difficult to leave knowing he will miss his youngest son's first words and first steps.

"It's pretty hard," he said. "But I've got to do it."

Elder son Daniel, 6, said he is sad his dad is going away for a while but plans on e-mailing him. The Relas have also made a videotape of Airman Rela for the children to watch, and they plan to keep journals of their time apart.

Tech. Sgt. Micah Parks, with the 3rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, said he is looking forward to the deployment.

"I think it's a great opportunity to take part in this mission, fighting the war on terrorism," Sergeant Parks said.

As the time for family members to leave drew near, some of the calm exteriors began to crack. Tears appeared, and the servicemembers were sent off with hugs and kisses to get them through.