During his yearlong deployment with the Iowa National Guard, Jason Vogel will miss the birth of his first biological child. But in the sacrifice, he also is achieving a lifelong goal of serving his country overseas.
Vogel reenlisted after more than a decade in the National Guard for the opportunity to deploy and “support our country one last time before I hang up my boots,” he said.
The Iowa National Guard is holding 24 community-based send-off ceremonies Wednesday through Friday this week in honor of about 1,800 Iowa soldiers deploying to the Middle East.
Vogel, of Ames, is one of 103 troops in the 133rd Infantry, B Company, sent off Wednesday from the Melrose Readiness Center in Iowa City.
The soldiers will support Operation Inherent Resolve, a military operation to combat the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria. The soldiers will contribute to the operation by joining coalition forces to provide security, support partner nations and assist efforts to maintain stability in the region, according to the Iowa National Guard.
Another send-off ceremony will be held in Cedar Rapids at 2 p.m. Thursday at the Cedar Rapids Armory for nine soldiers. An additional 105 soldiers will be sent off during a ceremony at 5 p.m. Friday at the Armory in Cedar Rapids.
B Company began their journey to Louisiana Wednesday evening where they will receive training for about a month before continuing to the countries of Kuwait, Iraq or Syria, Capt. Brandon Donoho said.
Donoho said the send-off ceremony is “a first step on a path that leads us home.” The families of the soldiers have “our eternal gratitude,” he said.
“We’re going to protect the force, we’re going to complete the mission, and we’re going to come home … We have trained for this, and we are ready. We have a proud legacy to continue, and I know we will not fail,” Donohue said.
Retired Sgt. Leo Pins — who deployed four times when he was in the service — urged the soldiers to write letters home. “They will keep that with them forever,” he said.
“Know that your soldiers will be taking care of each other. They’ll be watching out for each other,” Pins said during the ceremony.
Vogel’s wife, Allyson Vogel, said it was one of her biggest fears that he would be deployed during the birth of their child, a girl they plan to name Evelyn. “God has a sense of humor,” she said.
Allyson said she is trying to continue “calmly and carefully,” remaining strong for her two children — Jason Vogel’s stepchildren — Connor Rhodes, 7, and Johanna Glauner, 3. “If I break down and just completely lose it, I don’t want to scare them,” Allyson said.
Allyson said she is “putting my trust in God,” engaging in support groups for families of deployed soldiers and reminding her husband that he has a family who loves him and expects him to return home safely.
Devon Kregel, of North Liberty, hugged his five-month-old son Jameson close ahead of the send-off ceremony. His wife Addison and son Logan, 8, also gathered near him.
“I’m excited to go. It obviously stinks leaving the little ones, but it’s what we signed up for,” he said.
Valerie and Eric Key, of Marion, tearfully said goodbye to their son Ryan Key, 19, who is deploying. Valerie said she’s nervous and proud.
Jerrell Hinson, 19, of Tiffin, said he’s overwhelmed to be deploying. “It’s sad, leaving. But I know I’m doing it for a good cause,” he said.
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