Lisa Schmidt, whose husband is part of a California National Guard unit leaving this summer for Iraq, stood up among local soldiers and families Sunday at the Hollister Armory and reinforced a basic message to remember about their loved ones.
"We need to keep in mind they are training for a mission and they need to stay focused for that mission," said Schmidt, of Lemoore. "We want them to go in a timely manner and come back in a timely manner."
Although Schmidt carried a resolute tone, she spoke through experience, not without her share of uncertain realities to weigh. Her husband, Staff Sgt. Brian Schmidt, is a full-time soldier in the Delta Company 185 Armor who doesn't yet know whether he'll be asked to join the tank unit's mission in Iraq. For now, he is what's classified as a rear detachment, or a point of contact for other soldiers' families. Still, Schmidt estimated he has a 50 percent chance of being deployed with the group.
His wife, unknowing whether he'll head to war for a third time, maintained a pragmatic view on things.
"We're used to it," said Lisa Schmidt. "If he goes, he goes. Yeah, we always want him to stay home, but we're prepared if he goes."
On this day, though, there were more than emotional uncertainties to consider. About two months before these soldiers leave for war - some for a second tour, others for a third or fourth - the military held the informational gathering to inform families on resources available while their spouses are away.
The guard unit - the other half of the group attended a similar session in Madera on Sunday - includes about 30 troops from San Benito County. In all, there were more than 60 soldiers and family members at the local armory.
There, they learned about an array of family readiness resources and legal assistance offered by the military such as services related to interpretation, child care, health care and finances, said Mirtha Younger, a retired guard soldier whose husband, Capt. Martin Younger, is helping lead the unit into battle.
She's handling what's referred to as the family readiness organization for the unit.
"It opens up the communication process," said Schmidt, who's due to go into labor about two weeks before the unit's scheduled departure around Aug. 20, probably from an air base in Riverside.
She noted how families meeting one another also helps start a network and build cohesiveness among them.
"It opens up the isolation piece," she said. "You get to see other individuals in the same boat."
It's especially helpful for young spouses, she said.
One of those couples at Sunday's event were Private First Class Justin Sullivan and wife Larissa, both former Hollister residents who got married about six months ago and recently had a baby boy, Sean. They just moved to Fresno so Larissa can stay with her sister.
"Right now, I'm just trying to live the daily life," said Justin Sullivan, who moved to Hollister around age 14. "It probably won't bother me for a while."
His wife, however, was open with her feelings on the emotional day.
"I really didn't want him to sign up for this at all," she said.
While soldiers heard their share of advice Sunday at the armory, San Benito County Supervisor Pat Loe offered some inspiration and encouragement as well when she spoke to the group.
"Thank you for your service. Thank you for your bravery," she said. "Thank you for taking care of our country. The people of San Benito County and the nation are proud of you. The sacrifice you and your families are making will be remembered by all of us forever."
Kollin Kosmicki Kollin Kosmicki is editor of the Free Lance and Pinnacle. Reach him at 831-637-5566 ext. 337 or editor@freelancenews.com.
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