838th Military Police mobilize for duty
AUSTINTOWN — While Michael Sheely’s soldier dad is away on a year-long mission, the 5-year-old has his own orders: “To be a good boy and protect mom from the bad guys.”
The shy Mineral Ridge boy, dressed in a black Army T-shirt, combat-gray cap and shorts, grinned and nodded when asked if he’ll follow the orders.
Michael’s dad, Pfc. David Sheely Sr., is with the Ohio National Guard’s 838th Military Police Company being deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
The little boy stood with a family friend near the Austintown Middle School auditorium doors Saturday afternoon while his mom Tracey took photos of her husband and his fellow soldiers in formation. The call-to-duty ceremony for the 175 military police drew an overflow crowd.
Lisa Whitt, who stood watch over Michael, said he has two older brothers, David Jr., who’s now in basic training for military service, and Travis, 17. Michael nodded when asked if he is proud of his dad. The child of few words communicated mostly with grins and nods.
The 838th is expected to leave Monday for two months’ training at Camp Shelby, Miss. before deploying overseas.
The soldiers’ families have known since April that they’d be deployed in October, said Master Sgt. Rob Whited, an Austintown police officer the past 12 years. The notice gave everyone time to make whatever arrangements were necessary, including who will cut the grass, he said. Whited and his wife Michele have a son, Ethan, 2.
“It’s harder on the spouses,” Whited said. “We expect the worst and hope for the best.”
For more, see Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com