Photo by Brent Addleman
A father sees his son off to war as Craig Singer, right, poses with his son, Sgt. Tim Singer, yesterday afternoon in front of the flag in the conference room of the Ridgway Armory. Craig is a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. For Tim, this is his first deployment.

Soldiers from Ridgway Armory ready for deployment. 

By Brent Addleman

Record Staff Writer

Members of the Company C, 1/112th INF SBCT (Strykers), attached to the Ridgway Armory, departed for deployment yesterday afternoon amid a sea of family members, friends and well-wishers.
As emotion hung heavy in the air on a crisp, cold, windy January afternoon, one man’s experience with the military came full circle.
During the Vietnam War, Craig Singer of Kersey was a young soldier saying goodbye to his parents as he went off to battle. Yesterday afternoon, Craig was the parent saying goodbye to his own child as Sergeant Tim Singer was one of the many soldiers called to active duty in 2008.
“It’s obviously different seeing your son go to war than it is going to war yourself,” Craig said in a somber voice as he sat in a conference room  of the Ridgway Armory shortly before proudly posing with his son for a photo as the pair stood beside the American flag. “I’d be less than honest if I said I wasn’t concerned.”
Craig, a decorated soldier in his own right, stated his own thoughts on war and spoke of his feelings for his son and what the deployment will mean.
“I think everybody who knows me knows my feeling on war – war shouldn’t be the way we resolve differences,” Craig said. “But, we are at war and these people are a danger to our country. I am just happy to see there are still people that will stand up and shoulder the work that has to be done.
“Certainly, [I’m] very proud of Tim. It’ll be a growing up experience for him. With some luck, nobody will end up getting hurt, they’ll all come back safe and go on with their lives from there. It will be a good growing experience for all of them.”
For Tim, deployment day couldn’t have come soon enough yet came too quickly.
“Obviously, [I’m] not happy, a little sad,” Tim said of his feelings on the day. “I’m excited its finally here to get over there, do what we need to do and get home.”
Company C underwent three months of combat training in preparation for the deployment, coming on the heels of a 10-day furlough for the holiday season.
“It was a total different kind of training than we’re used to,” Tim said.
Tim’s thoughts went to what his active duty orders will entail, but also focused on the loved ones he is leaving behind.
“Actually, right now, my platoon – 2nd Platoon – is kind of in limbo,” Tim said. “We are a TST Unit now. We don’t know if we are actually going to be attached to the brigade or we’re going to be a batalion asset.
“Definitely, I’m going to miss them terribly. I just wanna get through this thing and get back to my family.”
The unknown of what is awaiting in the Middle East was a point of concern for Tim, but knowing he will be surrounded by experienced soldiers was a settling feeling.
“A little unnerving. [I’m] not really sure what to expect,” Tim said. “Thank God we are going with some guys that have been there before. [We’ve] just [got to] keep our heads down and listen to the guys that know what’s going on.
“I’m real proud of the unit. We’ve definitely trained well and kept their heads together and focused on the missions ahead. Everybody, I think, has a good grasp of what we need to do to get over there and come home safe altogether.”
When asked about his own father’s military experiences, Tim was quick to praise his father for the support he has shown.
“We had a good 10 days together. I love him to death. He totally has been there – 210 percent – for all of us, not just me,” Tim said.