American Troops Scramble Into Action

By JOHN McALPIN Associated Press Writer

September 21, 2001, 5:34 AM EDT

McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- Gung ho and ready to fight, American forces packed up for a war on terrorism that marched into high gear at bases all over the country.

Troops dressed in desert fatigues waved and gave thumbs-up signs to reporters Thursday as they boarded planes at McGuire Air Force Base. They weren't going to find out their destination until they were airborne, but that didn't faze them.

"They're standing tall and ready to rock," said Col. Kip Self, a commander with the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command at McGuire. "Morale is sky-high."

Air Force bases in at least seven states have been called up for "Operation Infinite Justice," the deployment set in motion after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on the East Coast.

The Air Force has been ordered to dispatch more than 100 fighter jets, B-1 and B-52 bombers and tankers to the Persian Gulf. The Pentagon also said 5,131 members of the Air Force National Guard and Air Force Reserve have been ordered to active duty.

At Camp LeJeune, N.C., more than 2,000 Marines shipped out for a long-planned tour of the Mediterranean that could turn into a mission against terrorists.

"If Marines are called upon in the Mediterranean, we would be the first to go," said Col. Andrew Frick, commander of the 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit. "We are the point on the spear."

The Marines said goodbye to loved ones, then loaded bulging duffel bags, helmets and rifles onto buses and helicopters for a trip to the docks. Among them was Staff Sgt. Reuben Long of Danville, Iowa, who said goodbye to his 16-month-old daughter, Madison, outside a barracks.

"I love you," he whispered repeatedly, kissing the baby's face as his wife, Heather, watched. Then he grabbed his M-16 rifle and pack and jumped aboard a bus.

Air refueling tankers took off from Fairchild Air Force Base near Spokane, Wash., and deployment orders went to North Dakota's two air bases, Minot and Grand Forks. Fighter jets and 100 members of the Air National Guard were called up at Buckley Air Force Base outside Denver.

At Fort Hood, Texas, the largest military base in the country with 42,000 soldiers, the family of Army Sgt. Joel Vaughn waited to learn whether he would be called into action. His wife, Carrie, said she's unsure what she will tell their young daughters if he returns to battle.

"I have complete faith in him. He says he trusts the soldiers he is working with and he says they will be safe," she said.

At Fort Bragg, N.C., thousands of Army soldiers were back on a training schedule that was interrupted by last week's terrorist attacks. The noise of machine guns, grenade explosions and helicopter rockets was music to the ears of Pfc. Joshua Staugler.

"It's a rush," said Staugler, 22, of Celina, Ohio, during a live-fire exercise. "Your adrenaline is up. You just have to trust all the guys you're with."

In Beaufort, S.C., members of the Marine Corps Air Station began flying out, headed for the USS Theodore Roosevelt in the Mediterranean. Other personnel moved out earlier in the week.

"The shock of last week is starting to wear off," said Capt. Eric Dent, a base spokesman. "Everybody's leaning forward in anticipation of what can be done to help."

Apprehensive family members, meanwhile, waited and worried.

"I'm scared for my sons, and I'm scared for America," said Judy Mead-Morgan, 49, of Bridgewater, N.J., who has one son aboard the USS Enterprise in the Persian Gulf and another in the U.S. Marine Corps reserves.

"I'm very proud of them, but I'm torn. I don't want them to be there, and yet I do," she said. Copyright © 2001, The Associated Press

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

Answers

Military Call-Ups Glance

By The Associated Press

September 21, 2001, 5:34 AM EDT

Some of the troops and equipment called into action as part of the United States' war against terrorism:

<

COLORADO:

Buckley Air Force Base: Fighter jets from the 140th Tactical Fighter Wing and about 100 members of the Colorado Air National Guard.

<

IDAHO:

Mountain Home Air Force Base: Unknown number of B-1 bombers with 34th Bomb Squadron.

<

NEW JERSEY:

McGuire Air Force Base: More than a dozen C-141 cargo planes and an unknown number of KC-10 air refueling tankers.

<

NORTH CAROLINA:

Camp Lejeune: 2,200 Marines in 26th Marine Expeditionary Unit (part of previously planned tour to Mediterranean).

Fort Bragg: Unknown number of elite soldiers from the U.S. Special Operations Command.

<

NORTH DAKOTA:

Grand Forks Air Force Base: Unknown number of flying tankers dispatched to provide refueling for U.S. fighter jets and bombers.

<

SOUTH CAROLINA:

Marine Corps Air Station in Beaufort: F/A 18 jets and unknown number of support staff.

<

WASHINGTON:

Fairchild Air Force Base: Unknown number of KC-135 flying tankers. Copyright © 2001, The Associated Press

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

I was lucky yesterday, in the fact that my husband returned from his "business trip". We were able to watch the President speak together last night. There were times that he yelled "Yeah!" at the TV. I could tell he liked what he was hearing.

This morning, while I was dressing for work, Fox News reported that the Pentagon had suggested the use of low grade tactical mmmm.... you know. He yelled to me asking if I heard that. I told him I had, and asked if he thought they would actually take the suggestion. I can't tell you the reply.

I will say that there have been some reserves that have voluntered to activate, and have... They aren't waiting to be called up.

Time for me to do the laundry (when I get home from work), as another business trip is just around the corner.

My best wishes to one and all, for we do indeed live in interesting times. Keep the faith!

Sheeps

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

It will make an enormous difference that the troops have a Commander-in-Chief they can respect.

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

((((((((((Sheeps))))))))))

You and yours always in our prayers.

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

Brooke,

We had a wonderful long talk last night. The earth moving type of talk, core of the soul type stuff. We each know how the other feels, and are at inner peace of what is about to come.

My support is stronger now than ever before, and I never thought it could be more than it was. War is hell, but the price must be paid in full. I love my husband, and I love my country.

As his business trip is about to resume, I know that I shall send him away with love, devotion, and respect. Plus, he'll have one shit- eating grin on his face. ;)

I did my duty..... have you? (LOL)

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

Sheeple! You are one amazing person, and your husband is one lucky guy!

Let's roll!

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

Barefoot,

Thank you for your kind words. However, I must say that I am far from amazing. Just being a realist about the possibilities.

I could not bear the thought that he be distracted doing his job with silly things around the home front. He won't worry, at least not now. I want his full attention on the task at hand.

We all need to be very cautious in the weeks and months to come. I hold my head up high, and have a "don't f*#% with me" look on my face at all times. If it is my time to go, they hey nothing I can do about it.

In our house, it is Duty, Country, then Home.

Sheeps

-- Anonymous, September 21, 2001

Sheeps, hugs to you and yours. When my first husband use to go on "long business trips", he said the letters I sent ment alot. I use to write all the time, even if it was just a short note to say I love you and all is well at home.

I laughed so hard after reading the way you said... the grin your husband would have on his face when he was leaving.

-- Anonymous, September 22, 2001