116th BCT leadership urges continued patience, support during demobilization

Editor's Note: The following press release was recently received from CPT Monte Hibbert, 116th BCT Public Affairs, serving in Iraq with the 116th Engineering Battalion of the Idaho National Guard. Some of the soldiers of that battalion are from the Orofino Armory.

FOB WARRIOR, Iraq - 116th Brigade Combat Team leadership is asking for patience and continued support from families and supporters as they complete the final phase of their nearly 18-month deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.

Recent reports that some 116th BCT elements may be arriving back to their Ft. Lewis, WA, demobilization station as early as next week have caused some to conclude that their loved ones will be home within a week or two, a perception that not only is inaccurate, but could cause unnecessary anxiety.

"Demobilization is the last hurdle the families will have to endure before their loved ones return home," said 116th BCT Executive Officer Lt. Col. Robert Lytle. "It is very important for each family member to understand that this is a very deliberate, very methodical and very necessary process."

According to Lytle, the unit is scheduled to leave Iraq in 'phased military movement"-meaning that not everyone will leave at once.

"We send what we call a 'Torch' and an 'ADVON' group of Soldiers whose mission is to prepare the way for the rest of the unit," he said. "Our objective is to expedite the most timely return of our soldiers. The focus is to get them through as rapidly as possible, while ensuring they have resolved any medical, legal or Army pay issues.'

Because 116th BCT soldiers have been deployed to a combat zone, they are now eligible for federal veterans' benefits, including education assistance, home loans and reduced cost health insurance. They are also eligible for a variety of other benefits from state, local or private sources.

"Part of what we do at the demob station is brief soldiers on new benefits available to them," said Lytle. "It's important that each soldier be aware of anything that might benefit themselves or their family."

Because Ft. Lewis is only a few hours drive from many 116th BCT soldiers' homes, families may be tempted to try and come and visit during demobilization. 116th BCT leadership discourages this, pointing out that the more focused the soldiers are on getting through the process, the sooner it will end and they can go home.

"The focus of the demobilization station is to ensure soldiers are taken care of medically, financially and legally before being released from Active Duty," said Lytle. "We ask loved ones to let us focus on that mission so we can get every soldier home as soon as possible, equipped for reintegration into their normal lives."

The 116th BCT is comprised of headquarters and staff sections, two armor battalions, a mechanized infantry battalion, a support battalion, a field artillery battalion, an engineer battalion, and various intelligence, signal, and specialized units. The 116th BCT is one of several Army National Guard units deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III.