NEENAH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A farewell ceremony in Neenah Friday was filled with smiles, hugs and pictures. It made for an emotional day for members of the 395th Ordnance Company.
“It’s kind of hard I guess to really express — I’m sure you guys don’t know the type of feeling it is,” Staff Sgt. Tyler Wood said. “It’s a weird feeling but it’s a good feeling at the same time.”
Wood is one of several reservists getting ready for their first deployment. The moment brought him an exciting opportunity. But saying goodbye to his family was equally difficult.
“It’s been crazy but everyone’s kind of feeling it so it’s going to hit a lot harder once we start shipping out,” Wood said.
Others who are leaving are looking at the positives.
“It’s great– knowing that we have this moment with not only our friends and family but everyone’s family,” First Lt. Emily Bailey said. “Proud definitely because everyone’s here to support.
Bailey said the event is the culmination of several months of preparation. But she said it’s heartfelt knowing she won’t see her loved ones again for nearly a year. To her, it will only make the reunion sweeter.
“I don’t believe in goodbyes — you never say goodbye,” Bailey said. “You always say ‘see you later’ and that’s what we’ve done.”
Wood agrees that the eventual reunion with his wife and kids will be long-awaited.
“They’re about as emotional as I am right now,” Wood said. “We’re getting ready to say our goodbyes. They’re ready — ready for me to come home.”
While there was a shared nervousness by many of the troops, some believe it’s even more difficult for those on the other side.
“It is very hard, understandably,” Spc. Ryan Greener said. “Again they just wish nothing but the best for all of us.”
Greener admits it is hard to say goodbye, but he’s encouraged by those he’ll be stationed with.
“The group of guys that we’re with and girls that we’re with are just an amazing group,” Greener said. “So it’s not just about us, it’s about everyone together.”
The unit will be headed to an undisclosed location in the Middle East for nearly a year. When overseas, the unit will provide real-world administrative support for other service members.
