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500 soldiers from KS and MO deploying to Middle East

Posted at 4:34 PM, Apr 29, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-29 19:33:51-04

As 500 soldiers from Missouri and Kansas prepared to deploy to the Persian Gulf, family and friends gathered to send them off in Lansing, Kansas Saturday.

The 35th Infantry Division, comprised of National Guard soldiers from Kansas and Missouri, will be there in the Persian Gulf for nearly a year, helping with security operations for Operation Spartan Shield.

"I've been in 27 years, so when they called wanting me to do this, it's an honor to give back a little bit, and help out where you can," Capt. Jerry Monasmith said.

"He'll get there, he'll come home. We have a great support system at home, and everyone steps up to the plate when they know your spouse is leaving," Jerry's wife Tina Monasmith said.  

This will be his second deployment, but this time is different. They have a toddler now and Tina is pregnant with their first boy. It never gets easier.

"The delivery and him not being there, but technology is fabulous now, so we'll be able to talk a little bit more than the last deployment," Tina said.

The U.S. was in the middle of World War II when the 35th Infantry Division last mobilized, so it's a unique mission.

"It's hard work. So we train like our lives depend on it. We train hard, we train on those critical tasks that will be essential for us when we deploy," Commanding Maj. Gen. Victor Braden said.

"I think it's a pretty important mission," Capt. Monasmith said. "It's exciting, it's a new career step for me."

The 35th Infantry Division was formed 100 years ago, so it's an honor for them to continue that service.