LOCAL SOLDIER PREPARES FOR IRAQ
Thursday, July 21st, 2005 -- 9:31 AM
--A familiar face for area residents will soon be overseas supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom. 34-year-old Dave Barth served on Neillsville?s Planning Commission and works at Sav-Rite Building Center.Barth has 16 years in the military ? 7-years active duty in the Navy, 7-years in the Navy Reserves and two in the National Guard. He?s a member of the Alpha Battery of the 120th Field Artillery. He?s one of 90 soldiers based in Marshfield. Barth?s unit will be sent to Camp Shelby in Mississippi next month to begin training for their mission in Iraq.
He said he was excited to learn he would be called for his first tour of war. "It's an opportunity to make a difference in the world. To do something that has true benefits," Barth says.
Barth has three children, ages 11, 10 and 7. He says they've had discussions about his 18 to 24-month tour.
"They ask very point-blank questions and I give very honest answers," Barth says. "'Dad, why do you have to go? How long is it going to be? What happens if you die?'"
While Barth is ?excited? about his chance to serve, he says the support of the public is needed to keep morale high.
"I feel it's important. Whether you agree or disagree with the U.S. Military and President Bush's motives for going into Iraq and Afghanistan, it's importan to support the troops," Barth says.
"Without America's continued support, we won't have a military that raises its hand and continues to uphold the Constitution."
While many of the details of the 120th?s mission is confidential, Barth says they will be providing security in the Iraqi Theatre.
The unit will report to Marshfield on August 10th, there will be a send-off in Marshfield on August 11th, they will report to Fort McCoy on August 12th and there will be a massive send-off from Volk Field on August 13th. From there, the unit will head to Camp Shelby, Mississippi where they're expected to train for 60 to 80 days.
Barth is a Staff Sergeant.
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