Local National Guard will serve in Iraq

By Lois Krafsky_Perry

Citizen Review   

May, 2, 2007

Port Angeles, WA - Dennis Welch spoke to the Republican Women of Clallam County (RWCC), at the April 24, monthly meeting.

Welch serves with the local 506 Unit National Guard Military Law & Order (police detachment) which is with the Federal Government’s War on Terrorism.   It is the only one in Washington, according to Welch.

The Clallam County resident lives with his wife Mary and children in Port Angeles. The local unit is leaving May 5 for Fort Dix, New Jersey.  They are then going to serve in Iraq.

Welch, age 53 has served in the National Guard for 24 years. “I enjoy being in the National Guard,” he declared.  The thing he fears the most is separation from family and friends and community.  Welch said he works with good people.  “They are all volunteers and they want to be there,” he said.

 When questioned about politics affecting the men’s views of the war, Welch said  they ignore politics.  “The men know they have the support of the people back home,” affirmed Welch.