3,500 Schofield
troops head to
Afghanistan
in FebruaryThis will be the first large-scale
mission for the 25th Division
since the Vietnam War
More than 3,500 Schofield Barracks soldiers will become the first 25th Division infantry unit to deploy to Southwest Asia when it flies into Afghanistan in February.
A total of more than 7,000 Tropic Lightning soldiers will have seen duty in Afghanistan by the end of next year.
It will mark the 23rd year in Tropic Lightning's 62 years as an infantry unit that it will be used in a combat role. Past campaigns have included battles in the Pacific in World War II, the Korean peninsula, Vietnam and the first Gulf War in 1991.
It also will be the first large-scale deployment of the 25th Division since the Vietnam War in 1965, when the division, in "Operation Blue Light" from Hawaii to South Vietnam, conducted the largest and longest airlift of personnel and cargo into a combat zone before Operation Desert Shield.
The 2nd Warrior Brigade, which is headed for Afghanistan, is also the Schofield Barracks unit the Army may upgrade to a premier combat force built around the Stryker fighting vehicle.
The Army said yesterday the 2nd Brigade will spend six months beginning in February in Afghanistan in the ongoing war against the Taliban and al-Qaida terrorists and then will be replaced by the 25th Division's 3rd Brigade.
Also awaiting word whether they will be sent to war-torn Iraq are more than 2,100 citizen soldiers belonging to the Hawaii Army National Guard's 29th Infantry Brigade (Separate), which has been training as one of the Army's "enhanced brigades."
The Army said yesterday a decision could come as early as tomorrow as to which two of the 15 "enhanced brigades" will be sent to Iraq in February to relieve soldiers who have been fighting there.
As of yesterday, Maj. Chuck Anthony, Hawaii National Guard spokesman, said the 29th Infantry Brigade had not received any activation orders.
Until yesterday's call-up, all of the 25th Division's overseas deployments since the Vietnam War have been limited to battalion-size units of a little more than 1,000 soldiers. The last was to Bosnia in 2002, where Tropic Lightning soldiers served on a six-month peacekeeping mission.
Maj. Gen. Eric "Rick" Olson, the 25th Division's commanding general, said his soldiers are "extraordinarily well trained and ready for this mission in service of our great nation. We take great Tropic Lightning pride in answering our nation's call to fight and win the global war on terrorism."
U.S. Sen. Daniel Inouye said the call-up of Tropic Lightning soldiers means that "our nation will be deploying one of the finest, best-trained and expertly commanded divisions in the Army -- they are patriots all."
Lt. Gen. James Campbell, commander of all Army troops in the Pacific, said Tropic Lightning soldiers have been supporting the nation's global war on terrorism since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. "These soldiers have performed magnificently," Campbell said.
He added: "In the upcoming months, our soldiers and family members will need the continued support of this great state. We are comforted knowing the people of Hawaii stand shoulder to shoulder with us."
In Afghanistan, the Army said, 2nd Brigade soldiers will be divided to man a division headquarters and to serve as a brigade combat team. The brigade combat team would conduct combat patrols and provide continued force protection and humanitarian assistance. The division headquarters staff will serve as the combined joint task force headquarters for units in the country.
As of yesterday about 700 Schofield Barracks soldiers are deployed worldwide in various locations in the continuing war on terrorism.
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Wahiawa businesses brace
for deployment’s impact
In a town where the Kitchen Delight offers a $1.75 "Shock & Awe" breakfast special and almost every business proudly displays an American flag, the deployment of 3,500 Army customers will be felt.
"It could be devastating," said Jeff Rezents, the owner of Military Tinting on Wilikina Drive in Wahiawa, across from the main gate at Schofield Barracks.
Rezents said about 85 percent to 90 percent of his business comes from the base. When the deployment occurs in February, he said he will try to attract local customers and cut expenses to survive until the troops return.
"With that many heads gone, it definitely will be difficult," said Mike Fuse, who owns Michael's Barber Shop, Michael's by the Lake Salon and Island Tattoo across from the base.
Fuse said it took a couple of years for his business to recover when the 1st Brigade of the 25th Infantry was transferred to Fort Lewis in Washington state in 1995.
"How are we going to survive? We're going to have a hard time," said Fale Finai, the owner of F and F Antiques at the Mango Marketplace on California Avenue. Finai said military sales account for about half his business, and business is not very good.
"You're the only one here," he said, pointing to the nearly empty aisles. "And you're not buying."
At a nearby stall at the marketplace, Francine Mundine said she is not only worried about the impact on businesses, but also on the military families.
"I don't feel very good about it at all," she said, adding that she will pray for the safe return of all the soldiers.
"I think Wahiawa and the military are extremely supportive of each other," said Donovan Dela Cruz, the city councilman who represents the district.
"Every day you walk around Wahiawa, you see military," he said. "The military presence is very known and welcome."
Charlie Drake, manager of Tom's Golf Shop on Wilikina Drive, said there may be a silver lining when the troops return home.
He said soldiers returning from Iraq got extra pay for combat and separation. Some of the soldiers who golf splurged on a new set of clubs.
