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Jed Boal ReportingA large Utah National Guard unit faces danger in Iraq every day, but after 17 months away from home, the mission is winding down.
The most important news for the families of the 222nd Field Artillery Unit is that they should be back home by the end of next month. The unit commander says they're nearing the end of their mission and feel positive about the impact they've had on the lives of the Iraqi people.
Seventeen months ago, 500 National Guardsmen received their final orders and final hugs. These soldiers represent nearly every community in southern Utah and many in northern Utah.
The commander of the Triple Deuce, Lt. Colonel Richard Miller says most Iraqis they encounter are supportive.
Lt. Col. Richard Miller, Commander, 2-222nd Field Artillery: "There's a small percentage of insurgents here, foreign and locals, that want us to leave, and try to do what they can to get rid of us. But for the most part, they want us to be here."
The unit is stationed in Ramadi. The 222nd fires artillery support for ground troops and base defense.
Lt. Col. Richard Miller, Commander, 2-222nd Field Artillery: "The area around Ramadi is very dangerous, but the brigade has done well protecting the soldiers and marines."
Firing platoons with howitzers provide firepower for coalition commanders around the clock.
Lt. Col. Richard Miller: "Our primary mission in the field, artillery, is to fight against the insurgent mortar and rocket teams who bombard the FOBs and strong positions we have." Commander, 2-222nd Field Artillery
When soldiers leave the FOB, or forward operating base, they must stay alert, but they also get a chance to work with Iraqis. In 24 different school missions, troops gave students supplies and gifts from Utah businesses and families.
Lt. Col. Richard Miller: "That's probably the most gratifying part of our mission, to do the humanitarian work. To go out and see the young children in Iraq and present them with a backpack and supplies."
The commander says the soldiers will think of home this Mother's Day.
"We think about our mothers and our wives. They're really the heroes of this organization."
The commander says it's tough to stay focused on the mission as the clock ticks down, but they all understand the dangers that surround them until they get home.
