Deployed Soldier finds way to thank those who served long ago

By Matthew J. Wilson
Ngmo.pao@US.ARMY.MIL

Editor's note: An 11-member section of the Missouri National Guard's Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 3rd Battalion, 135th Theater Aviation Battalion, of Lebanon, is more than halfway through its one-year deployment to Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

Its mission is to provide command and control, supervision, staff planning and unit level personnel service and logistical support for all units that belong to or are attached to the theater aviation battalion.

As part of its 24-hour-a-day mission, the unit performs command and control for 11 C-23 Sherpas, four C-12 Hurons and one UC-35 Cessna Citation. Through the use of these fixed-wing aircraft, the unit will provide a forward deployed aviation battalion, which provides air movement of cargo, personnel, and military/civilian dignitaries from the United States, NATO, and Iraq, throughout Iraq and the Central Command Area.

These Guardsmen also are responsible for the flight following air tasking orders, mission scheduling, and diplomatic flight clearances for all aircraft assigned to the battalion.
So far, the unit has planned and supported more than 1,400 missions, which have transported about 1.2 million pounds of cargo and more than 9,000 passengers over the course of more than 5,000 flight hours.

The following is a look into the deployment experience during the holidays of one of the unit's members.
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BALAD, IRAQ - For Capt. Seth Everett, who lives in South County St. Louis, the most poignant thing he's done since being deployed was finding a way to honor the Soldiers who have served before him and bridge the gap between eras.

"We flew flags for World War II veterans from our community," said Everett, who commands the section from the 3-135th. "It was a nice way to say 'Thanks' to a generation of veterans who had it much harder than we do."

In fact, things aren't too bad for Everett and the rest of his group of Guardsmen that spend most of their time 'inside' the wire.

"I think people get the impression we are living in the middle of the desert in tents," said Everett, who also is a pilot in conjunction with his command duties. "For some troops, that is the case, but we live on an established air base."

That doesn't mean life is all cotton candy and rose petals for the group. Everett said he and the rest of the crew will work their normal 12-hour shift throughout the holidays.

During that time, Everett said he'll be thinking of loved ones.

"I'll miss waking Christmas morning with Family," he said.

Outside of Family, Everett said the simple pleasures most Americans take for granted every day are what he pines for.

"I'd like a bathroom and a shower that you don't have to walk 100 yards to use," he said.

Everett said he likes performing his duties because he enjoys working with Soldiers, but hopes to take some time off when the deployment ends.

"The first thing I want to do is not answer a telephone or an e-mail for a while," Everett said.

A 1999 graduate of California High School, Everett earned his degree in 2004 from Southwest Missouri State University. When not deployed during the week, Everett is an officer for the St. Louis County Police Department.

Everett is supported in his military career by his wife, Kristen, father and father's wife, Terry Everett and Sandy File, of Pocahontas, Ill., mother, Laura Everett, of Ballston Spa, N.Y., and in-laws, Alan and Cindy Scheidt, of California, Mo.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.