The Arkansas Brigade

Speaking of fighting on, the 39th Infantry Brigade (Light) (Separate/Enhanced) has finished its first month in Iraq attached to the US 1st Cavalry Division. The 39th is also known as "The Arkansas Brigade" because it is made up almost entirely of Arkansans and is the largest National Guard unit in the state. The 39th makes up the bulk of the Arkansas Army National Guard.

While they are deployed with the 1st Cav they are known as the 39th Brigade Combat Team, or 39th BCT. They have voluntarily changed their nickname from "The Arkansas Brigade" to "The Bowie Brigade" for this deployment because they have been assigned some yankees to accompany them and wish to show some southern hospitality to their northern tentmates.

But make no mistake, the 39th is an Arkansas outfit, as witnessed by the big old Razorback Hog flag flying over their camp while they were in Kuwait. Their insignia is made up of a Bowie knife ("Arkansas Toothpick") and a diamond (our state symbol) in the colors of the Arkansas state flag.

In their first month they have lost 8 good men. The loss of fellow soldiers is harder for a National Guard unit because the fallen are neighbors, co-workers, and sometimes relatives. This is especially true in a small state like Arkansas.

I've been keeping up with the 39th in the news. In this first month I have seen photos of them building bridges, passing out t-shirts to Iraqi kids, visiting orphanages, and providing medical care. They have been involved in combat of course, but they seem to prefer talking about the other things.

Its going to be a long deployment. My best friend is in Baghdad and a co-worker is up north. When we hear of some new outbreak of violence we have to hold our breath till we hear from them.

After losing 5 on the worst day in Arkansas military history since Korea I had to ask my friend if it was worth it. Even though he had lost a friend that day he said, without hesitation, "It is, you should see the children here."

If he thinks its worth it, I can do no less.