Pocatello soldiers deploy to Afghanistan

Ten soldiers from the 660th Ordinance Company in Pocatello have volunteered to serve the United States in Afghanistan. Saturday there was a farewell ceremony for those leaving and their families.

“They have answered our country’s call and for that I want to personally say thank you to each and every one of you,” said one of the military commanders who spoke at the ceremony.

Commanders spoke to both the soldiers and the families about what being deployed means and how to cope while they are separated.

Bannock County Commissioner Terrell Tovey, who is also still active in the U.S. military, offered words of encouragement and advice for those being deployed. He also read a proclamation from the county commission.

“We, the Bannock County Commissioners, hereby proclaim June 24, 2017 the 660th Ordinance Company Day.”

Soldiers who are leaving said it’s bittersweet to go but it’s still an honor to serve.

“I’m 100 percent nervous about it,” said Sgt. Morris Smith, who will be deployed overseas for the second time. “It’s a new place. I’ve never been there before. It’ll definitely be more of a culture shock than my first experience. The country’s vastly different than what Kuwait was for me but I am looking forward to it.”

“I’m excited. A little bit anxious,” said Specialist Nicolas Akina, his first time being deployed overseas. “I think the closer it gets the more it starts hitting home that I’m going to be gone. I’m a newlywed, just a couple months ago so it’s hard but it’s what I signed up for and I’m excited to go and do my part.”

It’s not any easier for the families to say goodbye either.

“I’m scared for him, I’m scared for myself, but I’m also really proud,” said Kali Smith, wife of Sgt. Smith. “This is what he loves to do and I just can’t wait for him to come back.”

The deployment will last about a year.