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Apaches ready for Afghan mission

Photo by Rick Wood 51st Signal battalion alpha company commander Capt. Jonathan Perez, left, and 1st Sgt. Bernard Chapman case the unitÕs colors in preparation for deployment to Afghanistan June 3.

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The "Apaches" are on the warpath.

More than 130 Soldiers comprising Alpha Company, 51st Signal Battalion, took part in a casing ceremony June 3.

The company is now ready to deploy to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Although mission details are sensitive, they will be tasked with maintaining communications infrastructures in the northern area of the country.

For Spc. Daniel Patton, preparing for this deployment meant training, training and more training, he said.

"I feel pretty good, though," Patton said. "I feel ready."

For Patton, it is his second deployment during his five years in the Army. Confidence in the equipment, command and training are high among the troops, he said.

"We basically worked on the trucks and got all of the equipment ready," Patton, whose specialty is mechanics, said. "We're all set."

Family and friends are understandably concerned about this deployment, he said. "I've got a little one that's about 4 months old and I've got a 3 year-old," Patton said. "This is the first time my kids will go through it."

Company Commander Capt. Jonathan Perez said the rigorous training cycle has put the unit at the top of its game going into the combat theater.

"Preparing 130 Soldiers to go downrange was a challenge," Perez said. "You're basically dealing with 130 individuals, ensuring that they are all ready to deploy."

The company bonded during the course of the training, he said.

Perez brings to the current deployment the lesson learned during a previous stint in Iraq, he said.

"This time, I'm doing it as company commander," Perez said.

The differences between the two theaters, Iraq and Afghanistan, are substantial, but Perez hopes his experience will benefit those under his command.

"The basic skills of combat stay the same," Perez said. "That's what I want to share with these guys."

Deploying Soldiers underwent training with small arms, communications and computer systems, unit support, convoy techniques and cultural awareness all within a compressed timeline, he said.

Battalion commander Lt. Col. Gary Ridenhour praised the company for their professionalism and dedication.

"(Alpha Company) has endured rigorous hours of training," Ridenhour said. "These ceremonies are proud, bittersweet moments for all of us."

The unit has proven it is strong, ready for the mission ahead, he said.

"I have no doubt in your ability to do whatever you're asked in theater," Ridenhour said. "They are fully prepared for what awaits them."

Support for Family members of the deployed remains a priority within the battalion, he said.

"Those who are left behind anguish over the year (the unit) will be gone," Ridenhour said.

Many of the battalion Soldiers who are not deploying, envy the opportunity this mission represents, he said.

"Trust your leaders and trust your training, stay focused and most importantly, take care of one another," Ridenhour said.

Alpha Company 1st Sgt. Bernard Chapman said the amount and intensity of training will pay dividends in the field.

"I'm confident in the amount of training that we've done," Chapman said. "We're ready."

The company benefits from having many seasoned leaders in its ranks, he said.

"They're excited and they're motivated," Chapman said. "Everyone is well-prepared."

Spouses and Family members are also ready, he said.

"They've done a lot of great things with the (family readiness group)," Chapman said. "A lot of spouses have stepped up and are volunteering."

Strong support and solid communications with Family members is a vital part of a successful mission, he said.

Spouse Jennifer Walleman said she and her husband, Spc. Matthew Walleman, are anxious for his first deployment.

"I think it will all hit me when he leaves next week," Walleman said. "Right now, I'm OK."

Having a flourishing FRG available makes the uncertainties a little easier, she said.

"I'm an active member of the FRG," Walleman said. "That really helps - knowing the girls - knowing they are going through the same thing."

Walleman hopes to stay in touch with her husband regularly when he's downrange, she said.

"Hopefully, he'll have access to the Internet," Walleman said. "If not, I guess he'll give me a call every now and then."

Although the couple has no children, Walleman still has a full house, she said.

"We have two dogs that are like our kids," Walleman said. "They'll keep me company while he's gone."

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