TX soldiers to help with Iraqi drawdown

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Texas Army National Guard soldiers with the 36th Infantry Division based at Camp Mabry in Austin are about to embark on a unique and historic journey to Iraq. They will take command of 20,000 U.S. troops already stationed there.

Their mission is assist in the drawdown of forces in Basra in Southern Iraq.

“We’ll also be advising and assisting the Iraqi security forces,” said Maj. Gen. Eddy Spurgin. He is the 36th Infantry commanding general.

“Most of these soldiers in this division headquarters are citizen soldiers,” he said.

The 800 soldiers include doctors, lawyers, bankers, electricians and law enforcement officers. They are typically called in to duty in a state-wide emergency, such as a major hurricane. But many of them are taking time away from work this time to assist in the draw-down in Iraq.

“I’ve been in banking for nearly 25 years,” said Charles Clemons.

Clemons works for Bank of America . The company he works for allows him to take a leave of absence while he goes on tour.

“Many business-world tactics or procedures are integrated into the military,” Clemons said.

“I’ve been a police officer for 16 years,” said Stephanie Dugan. “I thought about it a long time and at first thought maybe I’m a little too old, maybe I’m too set in my ways. I decided I had a lot to learn and a lot to impart and I really love my country as 'Hallmark' as that sounds. So, I decided to put my money where my mouth is. Instead of talking about it, just do it.”

Dugan, 44, like many with work-related skills, will use her knowledge and experiences to help better integrate the Iraqi government with their own surroundings.

”It’s about self-discipline, self-confidence, about how you project yourself, about organization,” Dugan said.

Spurgin is a civilian worker as well.

“I have a job with the U.S. Department of Agriculture when I’m not doing this,” he said.

And he's proud of the men and women who serve under him.

“These are national guardsman from small towns, large towns, civilian jobs, and they’ve answered their call and want to serve their state and country,” Spurgin said.

A special ceremony for friends and family of the soldiers will be held at the Frank Erwin Center on Sept. 26.

The team is expected to leave a short time after that and train in Washington for a few months.

The 36th Infantry Division is expected to arrive in Iraq around the middle of December and be there for about nine months until the State Department takes over control.