USAR ORGANIZATIONS

Army Reserve Apache unit deploys to Bosnia

by Tony Johnson, U.S. Army Reserve Command Public Affairs

ATLANTA (August 30, 1999) -- It was a hot, humid and overcast day in South Georgia. The soldiers from the U.S. Army Reserve 8/229th Aviation Battalion (Attack), weighed down with their gear climbed aboard the lone-commercial airliner sitting on the airfield at Fort Benning, Ga.

There were no crowds to see them off - a special family day had been held a couple of weeks earlier at their home base at Fort Knox, Ky., as their official send-off. There were no mobs of media present to cover the story – most everyone seems to have lost interest in this type of mission.  But it was a very real and important mission; very exciting and even scary for these soldiers as they left their families, friends and   jobs for six months to do their part in supporting the ongoing NATO peacekeeping operations in Bosnia

"I’m ready to get there, ready to do our job and ready to get back home," said Spec. Cristal Fox, a 20-year old ammunition specialist who has been with the unit for about three years. A criminology major at the University of Louisville, Fox will be taking a break from her studies as she learns first-hand about the sometimes volatile balance of peace and power in the Balkans region. "I think it will be a great learning experience. A chance to learn about different people and their culture. I’m excited about going.".

Fox leaves behind her parents, Lisa and Thomas Clay, her cat and pet rabbit. "My folks are nervous but proud. My dad has served in the military and he’s very proud of what I’m doing."

For several months now members of the 8/229th have been preparing for this mission. The unit received notice back in January that they would be heading to Bosnia and they have been training rigorously ever since.

"I’ve been training for a mission like this for eight years. I know we’re trained and ready to do this. To be honest, I’m kind of excited about going," said Sgt. Rob Welborn, an Apache mechanic with the unit. "I will miss my family," he added.  He also leaves his job in an aluminum plant, but says his employer is very supportive of his Reserve duty.

"My parents are so proud they can’t stand it," added Welborn.

An Apache lifts off for a training flight at Fort Knox, Ky. (photo by Mr. Tony Johnson, USARC Public Affairs Office)

The 8/229th is one of only two Apache units in the Army Reserve. These are the same Apache attack helicopters profiled in recent months in various news stories as being the most advanced helicopter in the U.S. Army’s inventory.

The Apache flies low and fast and uses computerized targeting systems to help it knock-out enemy tanks with armor-piercing laser-guided Hellfire missiles, which can strike targets up to three miles away. The Apache has a range of 299 miles, with a cruising speed of 184 mph and maximum speed of 227 mph dependent on weather conditions and other factors. It can be equipped with 16 Hellfire missiles or 76 2.75-inch rockets. It is also equipped with a 30-mm gun normally loaded with 1000 rounds.

Sixteen Apaches were shrink-wrapped for protection and shipped over to Croatia via military freighter after being flown to Howland Hook container port on Staten Island, N.Y., by members of the 8/229th. The Apaches will be waiting for the soldiers when they arrive in Tusla, Bosnia.

While in Bosnia the mission for the 8/229th is to help maintain the peace and provide support as needed for NATO’s efforts in the region.

"If we can save lives by our presence, then I’m glad that we can be there," said Sgt. 1st Class Rick Voeltner, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the administrative section of the unit.

Pfc. Donald Drake just graduated from his military advanced individual training school in July as an aircraft structural repairer. The 18-year-old says he joined the Army Reserve for adventure and training and he’s getting both right away. Drake will be leaving for Bosnia with the next group from the 8/229th within approximately a week.

"This is awesome. I’m ready to go. This will be the experience of a lifetime," said Drake as he watched his fellow unit members boarding the plane.

Camie Smallwood, wife of Spec. Darrell Smallwood, echoed the sentiments of the family members of all the 8/229th soldiers when she said, "I know he’s doing his job but I’m going to miss him. I just want him to come home safe and sound."

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Revised: September 2, 1999

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