The Time Is Now for Reserves : Military: There are no ‘ifs’ any longer. A list of combat units to be called for up for a year’s duty in the Gulf may be released today.
“It’s something we’ve always been training for. Ever since I’ve been here, it’s always been ‘if, if, if.’ Well, the ‘if’ has finally come.”
Marine Sgt. Isaac Hernandez, 24, of Montebello, married just five days before, spoke as he stood in line shortly after 6 a.m. Tuesday, waiting for a variety of shots--typhoid, plague, tetanus, diphtheria--and a tuberculosis test at the Pasadena Marine Reserve Center. It was the first requirement of active duty.
Hernandez’s outfit, a 45-man platoon of Battery A, 4th Light Anti-Air Defense Battalion, is the first Los Angeles reserve combat unit to be called up in the Persian Gulf crisis, but it will not be the last.
A Marine spokeswoman in Washington said that a new list of combat units to be summoned for up to a year’s duty is to be released soon--possibly today.
“Everything’s arranged for me,” said Hernandez, in civilian life an employee of a real estate firm. “It’s not a major hassle. I just never thought I’d have to write a will at my age.”
Outside, leaning against a fence, Hernandez’s bride, Anna, reflected on events. “We had already planned on getting married this year,” she said. “We just made it a little earlier. We made a quick decision. I don’t know what to think or feel. It’s not something you ever expect to happen.”
Since last week, members of the unit said, there have been 10 marriages in the platoon.
“Sure, it’s for love,” said one noncommissioned officer. “But it’s also for the pay.” Married Marines get more than $400 a month extra in living allowances.
After two days of processing--medical tests, haircuts, uniform issues and inspections--the platoon will be off Thursday for Camp Pendleton, where it will become part of the 5th Marine Expeditionary Brigade.
Some members of the brigade are already headed for the gulf. The platoon’s commanding officer, Capt. Ronnie McFadden, said he expects his unit will soon be on a ship headed for the Persian Gulf.
A few relatives, mainly women and children, who came to see the men Tuesday cried a little. Some expressed apprehension, a few bitterness. The men tended to be a little nervous or fearful, but most said they were ready for an adventure.
Hillary Stotter, sister of Sgt. James R. Stotter of Brentwood, said of her family: “We’re very upset that he has to go, and we’re apprehensive of war. . . . We’re proud of him for standing strong. We wish there were more protests. We think everyone should write to their congressman and the President to try and stop the war.”
Stotter, who left a partner in charge of a 2-month-old business processing credit card applications, would have finished six years of active duty and then reserve service in February. In the crisis, his reserve discharge date was extended.
“I have mixed feelings,” he said, as he awaited his shots. “Basically, this is something I have to do. I have my fears, and on the other hand, I feel obligated to serve my country. I may not agree with all the issues, but I’m proud to serve.”
Many of those going have never, except for boot camp, been on active duty. However, for a reserve unit, the platoon is confident it is well trained in its specialty: firing Stinger missiles. Many members recently returned from a month’s training in Yuma, Ariz.
Pfc. George Chavez of San Dimas, who just celebrated his 19th birthday, said: “The only thing I’m worried about is going on a ship. I just want to fly over there and get everything done. . . . I expect there’s going to be a war, and I’m ready to serve.”
McFadden, a San Diego County sheriff’s deputy, said of his men: “They’ve got to tell their wives they don’t want to go. But my impression is that most of these Marines want to go.”
Sgt. David Scott of Azusa is leaving not only his wife, Dorie, but his 2-week-old son, Travis.
“I certainly don’t like it,” said the computer technician. “I’d rather be at home with my wife and kid. But I wouldn’t try to get out of it. I’ve been in the Marine Corps for 12 years and I’ve always known something like this was possible.”
One trainer from the reserve center, Staff Sgt. David Dickerson of West Covina, is going with the platoon, all the way to Saudi Arabia if that is the case. “Whenever our commander in chief tells us we’re ready to go,” he said. “Hopefully, we’ll have the nation’s support.”