CAMP STRIKER, Iraq - A helpful part of any deployment is a stable support group. Some Soldiers turn to friends within their unit for this support. Others are lucky enough to have a family member in country with them.
Staff Sgt. Melodie A. Hunt and Pfc. Mallorie A. Hunt, Lumberton N.C. natives, are sisters who are currently deployed to Baghdad. Although in different units, they still find time together.
Melodie is a member of the 449th Theater Aviation Brigade, a N.C. Army National Guard unit out of Morrisville, N.C. She is currently deployed as the Air Movement Request Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge. Her duties include manifesting flights for Soldiers in theater and brigade retention.
Mallorie is a truck driver for Alpha Co., 47th Forward Support Battalion out of Baumholder, Germany. Her unit moved to Camp Striker in early fall; a pleasant surprise for the sisters.
"We were still in the states when we found out that Mallorie would be at the same place as me," said Melodie. "It was pleasing to know that I would have someone there for me and it made our parents more comfortable us being together for my sister's first deployment."
Melodie, who is on her second deployment in her eight-year military career, works as a police officer for the Lumberton Police Department when at home. She answers calls, assists the fire department when needed and of course, "issues citations," she said with a smirk.
The Hunt sisters, who are 12 years apart, also have this deployment to thank for strengthening their relationship.
"It was good to be able to spend what time together that we could," said Melodie. "We work out together, and sometimes eat meals, which is more than we had when she was in Germany."
"The older we have become, the closer we have gotten," said Mallorie. "Sharing this deployment has helped that."
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