The Louisiana Army National Guard’s 769th Engineering Battalion, which includes many LSU students, is stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan. The battalion has built the majority of the roads, highways and bridges and several large-scale administrative buildings there. The battalion was supposed to return home for Christmas, but its scheduled replacements have been shipped to Iraq. The battalion now plans to return to the United States in January or February.
Although the war in Afghanistan is miles away, the University community cannot forget the effect it still has on many of its members.
Many University students, alumni and students’ family members are overseas fighting the war against terrorism.
Sgt. Josh Anderson of the Louisiana Army National Guard’s 769th Engineering Battalion, an international trade and finance student, currently is stationed in Bagram, Afghanistan.
“I joined the military to pay for college and never thought I would be deployed,” Anderson said. “You don’t expect this, and all of a sudden you have to drop your life for war. I got a call the last day of finals in spring right before my last final saying I was going to Afghanistan. You can imagine how my heart dropped!”
Anderson and the rest of his battalion have built the majority of the roads, highways and bridges and several large-scale administrative buildings in Bagram.
Anderson and other members of his unit have the luxury of being able to stay in touch with people back home by phone and e-mail.
“I have my own personal computer, and we have DSN phones (military lines), which we get to use,” Anderson said. “It is easier to communicate by e-mail, but lots of people try to use the phones.”
Anderson said all soldiers love talking to people back home and hearing any news they have.
“Any news is wonderful,” Anderson said. “I just found out I had a new niece. I also like LSU football scores. Anything is good, though.”
Anderson said he is generally happy, but the overall morale of the troops is down because of a lack of strong leadership.
Although he is happy, Anderson cannot wait to get back home.
“When I get home — oh the possibilities!” Anderson said. “First, I want to take a shower in my own bathroom and lay in my king-size bed.”
Anderson and his unit expect to be home in either January or February.
“We were supposed to go home for Christmas, but our replacements are being sent to Iraq,” Anderson said.
Anderson plans to work on independent study courses and travel a lot after he returns home, since he will not make it back in time for the start of the spring semester.
While several University community members actually are stationed overseas, many proud family members eagerly await the return of their loved ones in the military.
Troy Rogillio, a chemical engineering freshman, knows the effects first-hand. The army sent Troy’s 21-year-old older brother, Travis, to Afghanistan in late August.
Travis joined the military straight out of high school, but his family did not expect him to actually have to go to war.
While Troy is not the one in the military, he still can see how the war has affected his family.
The war and the distance between them have actually made him and his brother grow closer, Troy said.
“Now that he’s gone away, I’ve been able to stand back and look at what he’s doing,” Troy said. “It’s a lot more affecting now.”
Troy and the rest of his family, especially his mom, are extremely worried about Travis. But knowing what he is doing also fills them with pride.
“I’m extremely proud of him,” Troy said. “I wish I could live up to what he’s doing, even though he claims it’s not much.”
Troy has thought about following in his brother’s footsteps by joining the military, but his brother discouraged him. “My brother said ‘This isn’t your place,'” Troy said.
While Travis is proud to be doing a service for his country, he sees a greater need for his brother at home and in school.
Hometown heroes
By Laura Patz, Staff Writer
November 19, 2002
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