Answering the call: 1-58th Avn. Regt. Soldiers deploy

By Nathan Pfau, Army Flier Staff WriterNovember 5, 2015

Answering the call: 1-58th Avn. Regt. Soldiers deploy
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Answering the call: 1-58th Avn. Regt. Soldiers deploy
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FORT RUCKER, Ala. (Nov. 5, 2015) -- One of the most challenging aspects of Army life is deployment, and 28 Fort Rucker Soldiers are answering the nation's call as they embark on a journey to assist their brothers and sisters in arms.

Soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 58th Aviation Regiment (Airfield Operations) deployed to regions of Europe, including Latvia, Germany and Romania Nov. 3 -- with some leaving Oct. 31 -- in support of NATO partners to assist in air traffic services, according to Lt. Col. James Ashburn, 1st Bn., 58th Avn. Regt. commander.

The Air Traffic Control Company was activated during a ceremony at the U.S. Army Aviation Museum Oct. 28, where Capt. Andrew Dewhurst was put in charge of the unit for the deployment to support the 1st Cavalry Division in training opportunities with NATO partners in Europe, said Ashburn.

"I feel so fortunate that I have Andrew, who is well aware of the challenges he will face on this rotational deployment to Germany and other European companies," said the 1-58th commander during the activation ceremony. "This unit will be successful on this rotation because of the hard work, energy and enthusiasm they bring to the table, and although I know you will have many hard days ahead, I know you're up to the challenge.

"You're deployment, though seemingly smaller, sends a huge statement for our country," Ashburn said. "We will stand alongside our NATO partners in Europe, and pilots will rest easy knowing that you, the best training ATC unit in Army Aviation, have their back to guide them safely back home."

Dewhurst said the he and his Soldiers are ready to take on the mission and support their brothers and sisters in arms.

"I'm honored and humbled to become the ATC Company commander as our unit is formed to deploy to Europe to carry out our mission," he said. "We'll do what we must to step up to the task."

For many, like Staff Sgt. Tony Barnes, who deployed Nov. 3 from the 164th Theater Airfield Operations Battalion motor pool, the hardest part of deployments is the separation from their family members.

His wife, Elsie, and daughter, Eva, were both on hand to wish him well and say their goodbyes as he leaves to serve his country, but for Elsie, she said the best way to get through is to keep him present for their daughter.

"We're just going to try to keep daddy present in everything that we do," she said. "We're going to try to keep communication with him to make it seem like he never left."

Along with Elsie and Eva, the 1-58th Family Readiness Group was on hand to provide their support for not only the deploying Soldiers, but the family members, as well, which Elsie said was invaluable.

"It means to world to me to have this FRG because I know that I'm not lost when I have them," she said. "I know that if I have any questions or of I need to reach out just for some support, then I have really good people to help take care of us."

Although the FRG is there to support those family members while their Soldiers are away, the Soldiers need support, too, and that's why Elsie said she makes sure she is there for her husband as much as she can be.

"I am his No. 1 admirer and supporter," she said. "This was his dream to become a Soldier, so after some time now he's getting to do what he loves most."

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Fort Rucker, Ala.

U.S. Army Aviation Center of Excellence