As theRussian invasion of Ukraine continues, U.S. troops are making their way to Europe, where they’re being deployed to reassure NATO allies against Russian aggression — a complicated task, given how Russia views NATO — as well as support a range of other requirements in the region.
PresidentJoe Bidenin late February approved the deployment of 7,000 additional U.S. troops to Germany, bringing the total of U.S.-based forces sent to Europe to 12,000.
The First Armored Brigade out of Fort Stewart, Georgia, sent 3,800 nearly two weeks ago. And on Friday, 130 members of B [Bravo] Company of the 87th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division Sustainment Brigade, got on a plane for deployment to the U.S. Army Europe and Africa area of operations.
Several of the soldiers spoke to PEOPLE before stepping on board.
“When I heard that I was going to be deployed, I was pretty excited because I like to help people and support people,” says Alexis Riosgandia, a 22-year-old supply specialist from Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. “[My friends and family were] a little bit sad. But because we are a supporting company, they are okay with it. We’ve been prepared for a few weeks now.”
Sgt. Shamarrius Madison, a wheeled vehicle mechanic from Stockbridge, Georgia, says he was “very excited” to be heading on his second deployment.
Shamarrius Madison.ELSI DELGADO
Soldiers from Bravo Company, 87th Division Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Division Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.JOEL SALGADO
“This is what I signed up for. I get to see a new country, and it’s another opportunity for me to get to experience what life is like in another country,” says Madison, 25, adding that he is eager to aid NATO allies with “whatever they need us to do.”
“We’re definitely whipped up. We definitely support [Ukraine],” he says. “Basically, we’re here with them. They got our support.”
Still, Madison says his family was feeling “nervous” and “a little bit scared.”
Many of the soldiers had little time to prepare, with Capt. Sarah Seekins — who has deployed twice to Kuwait — saying she was given “about three weeks” notification on her new mission.
“Some of my family was nervous. But my dad [who previously served in the Coast Guard] and I were actually kind of excited because this is a new opportunity, a new experience for us,” says Seekins, 28. “I just recently took command of the company in a new position.”
Seekins adds that she found the situation in Ukraine, where Russia launched a full-scale invasion late last month, to be “upsetting” — but also a motivating factor for her day-to-day.
Seekins — the youngest of three — says her family is understanding of her work and her mission.
Sarah Seekins.ELSI DELGADO
Alexis Riosgandia.ELSI DELGADO
“I’m feeling an overwhelming amount of pride about my daughter. Her career has blossomed to exceptional levels since day one. She loves it,” he says. “She loves the challenge, and she loves the people that she works for and the people that work for her. She is definitely a compassionate, fair and firm leader and I am exceptionally proud to be able to say that, being a military guy myself.”
Seekins' mother, however, took some more convincing.
“I have had to work on Mom and continue to sell this to Mom,” Timothy admits. “As in, ‘This is what Sarah wants, she’s eager to do this, this is going to be good for her career.’ The next thing you know, you’re going to see gold oak leaves [the rank of major] on her. This is vitally important to the development of her career.”
Timothy offers a message to others at home watching the situation unfold from afar: “America has an incredible military force. It’s all volunteer. Only the best get to serve … I am very confident in saying that the military has done a very, very good job of maintaining the very brightest, enthusiastic people in all branches of the military. And I believe that we are in good hands.”
source: people.com
