The more backup in Iraq, the better, Guardsmen say

Allentown Morning Call ^ | 1/12/07 | Matt Assad

[randita]

January 12, 2007

The more backup in Iraq, the better, Guardsmen say

Allentown unit will answer president's call for more troops.

By Matt Assad

While Americans take sides over President Bush's plan to send 21,500 more troops to Iraq, members of the National Guard's 213th Area Support Group in Allentown are looking at the boost from a different angle.

For them, it's 21,500 more people playing on their team.

''We're in a position to look at this a little different than most people,'' said Romer, a State College man living in the Valley to prepare the 213th for deployment. ''This is going to make Iraq more secure, and if I'm going to be working there for a year, that's a good thing for me. I know my wife feels better about it.''

The 213th was deployed to Afghanistan in 2003, and even before Bush announced plans to send more troops to stabilize violence in Baghdad, the unit was alerted it was being called to Iraq.

Last time, Staff Sgt. Angelo Tartaglia of Allentown left behind a wife and six children. He missed all of their birthdays, a year's worth of holidays and even his daughter Traci's prom.

This time, at least, he won't be missing Traci, because she's going with him. After her father's Afghanistan duty, Traci enlisted in the National Guard and is scheduled to be deployed to Iraq with the 213th. The 21-year-old is one of five Tartaglia children to go through Allen High School's ROTC programs.

''Of course, I'll worry, but I wouldn't have it any other way,'' said Maria Tartaglia, Angelo's wife and president of the 213th's family readiness program. ''We are a military family. We understand what enlisting in the military means and the commitment you make to support your country.''

matthew.assad@mcall.com

[randita]

It's SO refreshing to hear some mature adults speaking for a change, rather than the childish harping of the Democrats.

[albie]

"It's SO refreshing to hear some mature adults speaking for a change, rather than the childish harping of the Democrats".

...I couldn't agree more. Our military has always had the same attitude. Fight to Win! Losing was never an option. I think dems should read Norman Vincent Peales, "The Power Of Positive Thinking". I'll hold the gun to their heads as they read.