Ind. reservists prepare for Iraq mission - Marine Corps News | News from Afghanistan & Iraq - Marine Corps Times

Ind. reservists prepare for Iraq mission

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. — A Terre Haute-based Marine unit got an emotional sendoff as they left for training to prepare for a seven-month deployment to Iraq.

Four buses carrying more than 150 members of Company K of the 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines, were escorted by motorcycles and fire trucks to Terre Haute International Airport on Thursday to board a flight to California. After about six months of training, the Marines will head to Iraq.

The unit is expected to be on active duty for 13 months.

For many of the Marines, it’s their second deployment to Iraq. Staff Sgt. Andrew Jamovicz, 34, of Indianapolis says he feels “more mentally prepared” going back for a second time. He says he tries to mentor the younger Marines on their first tour of duty.