Two local soldiers are headed to Iraq for the first time. This wouldn’t be unusual, except that they’re both in their 50s.
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Inside the VA Medical Center, they are established professionals. Marcie Robinson is an Associate Chief Nurse of Mental Health. Tim Smith is an Assistant Chief X-ray Technician. Between them, they have numerous years on the job.
They also have numerous years in the Army Reserve. Robinson joined back in college. Smith joined sometime way back when. He says, “Long after Custer had died.”
Still, neither had been deployed, until now. They’re both 53 years old and both headed to Iraq. The 325th Combat Support Hospital has been called up.
Robinson, now a lieutenant colonel, says her family was surprised. She says, “I think they were in denial at first. My husband was like, they’re not going to take you, you’re too old! So I think it’s kinda sinking in now.”
The challenges for soldiers in their 50s are admittedly a little different than they would be at 18. Robinson says, “You really do have to have stamina to do the things we’re going to have to do.”
Still, they say, the biggest hardship is the same. Smith, a master sergeant, says, “Being away from home. Being away from home will be. But that would be the standard answer for just about anybody.”
For Robinson, this seems a logical extension of the work she does here at home. She says, “I take care of soldiers every day - veterans. And now I’m transitioning over, doing something a little different but a lot the same.”
Smith adds, “Our mission won’t be to go door to door patroling or anything like that. We’re there for medical support.”
And while the idea of Iraq is daunting, both they say they’re ready and willing to deploy. Smith says, “I knew the possibility was there and that possibility has arrived.”
Robinson says, “I think we will do an excellent job taking care of our soldiers and that just makes you feel good. I’ll do my duty. And I like that.”
Robinson and Smith will head out in early June. They’ll then have several weeks of training before heading to Iraq. The deployment could last a year or longer.
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