Nikki Carlson Havre Daily News photos@havredailynews.com
Nicole Johnson prayed while holding on tightly to her friend's baby, Kayden Bender, during the Hero's Send-off at Fifth Avenue Christian Church on Saturday, Dec. 6. Johnson's husband, Montana Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Brian Johnson, will leave with the 639th Combat Support Supply Company of Havre in January 2009 for his second tour in Iraq. Nicole said having a strong support system helps her cope with her husband's absence. "I wouldn't have made it through the last time without her," she said of her good friend, Stacy Bender. "It takes lots of friends like her. I'm ready for round two." Ann Kulczyk, a staff sergeant with the Montana Army National Guard’s 639th Combat Support Supply Company teared up during the ceremony. Kulczyk will serve her second tour in Iraq. The new mother said she has more reason to come back home this time around. "It's a little harder this time," she said talking about her 2-year-old daughter, Abigail. Montana Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Darrell Stipcich, Helena, of the 639th Combat Support Supply Company fought to regain his composure before addressing the crowd. "I've got a family," he said. "They couldn't be here tonight. It's tough. There's tons of stuff I could say to them. You're always going to miss them and I love them." Stipcich will be heading to Iraq for his first time in January. The hardest part for the troops preparing to deploy is the Spending a year away from family. Quinlann Waldron, 4, supported his dad, Montana Army National Guard Sgt. Dan Waldron, by wearing his fatigues and dog tags and sticking close during the sendoff. Waldron will leave in January for his first tour of Iraq with the 639th. "I'm excited," said the Havre Police Department patrolman. "I'm able to serve the community and serve the country too. It's finally starting to take shape over there ... . It's a lot better than it used to be and it's a lot safer than it used to be." The send-off was coordinated by Carol Johnson of Big Sandy. Her son is Brian Johnson who is going to Iraq for the second time.thought of
