Fort Belvoir Deploys reserve unit to Iraq

Charles Zuckerman

With the war effort continuing on two fronts, soldiers across the country are preparing to redeploy to Iraq or Afghanistan in the next several months. That was the situation earlier in the month when the 299th Engineer Company, a reserve unit from Fort Belvoir, deployed to Iraq with more than 180 troops ready to serve their country.

The unit, who will serve in the war zone for a full 12 months, will be responsible for the construction and maintenance of several bridge operations across the country, part of a reinvestment in local infrastructure intended to improve the mobility of Iraqi defense forces.

At a colors casing ceremony attended by Brigadier General David Weeks, the commander of the 411th Engineer Brigade, the soldiers got to enjoy some time with friends and family in advance of their deployment.

"This is my first major deployment and I'm ready. I know I have the knowledge and skills to do a good job," Specialist Andre Soto told the News and Messenger. "I have a wife and three kids. It's not easy leaving them behind, but I'll have my brothers there with me. We'll support and encourage each other."

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