New Kensington-based Army reserve unit bound for Guantanamo Bay

About 100 Army reservists from around Western Pennsylvania and beyond left Monday for eventual deployment in Cuba.

Specifically, this deployment will require the unit to serve as guards for some of the world's most dangerous terrorists at “Camp X-Ray,” the military prison at Naval Station Guantanamo Bay.

Members of the 307th military police company, based in New Kensington, left the reserve center along Leechburg Road at about 7:30 a.m. for a bus ride to Pittsburgh International Airport and a flight to El Paso, Texas, for specialized training at Fort Bliss.

Reservists interviewed Monday didn't want to talk about the specifics of guarding the 100 inmates remaining at the maximum security Camp X-Ray compound.

“We will have detention duties,” said Capt. Stephanie Edinger, 35, of South Buffalo, who was not permitted to discuss it further. Edinger is the 307th's commander.

“You either have a heart for it or you don't,” Edinger said about her reserve duties. “The rewards far outweigh anything else to preserve our freedoms,” she said.

Camp X-Ray once held 750 prisoners in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks. President Obama signed an order in 2009 to close the so-called Gitmo detention center, however, it remains open.

It's the first overseas trip for Spc. Karli Holmes, 21, of Derry, yet just another mission for Sgt. 1st Class Richard Jenkins, 50, of New Kensington.

Before climbing aboard one of three buses, Holmes said she was excited. Her stepbrother and grandfather each served in the Air Force.

“Now, it's my turn,” said the soldier who, in civilian life, is studying veterinarian technology in Pittsburgh.

She could become an Army vet tech, but she likes her military police job. “It's different. It's fulfilling,” she said.

Jenkins, who is a truck driver in civilian life, is one of Edinger's platoon sergeants.

He joined the 307th in 1985 and went with the unit to Iraq for Operation Desert Storm in 1990.

Jenkins also went to Iraq with the Arkansas National Guard in 2008 and again in 2011.

“I remember stories from my father, who was in the Army after Korea,” Jenkins said. “I consider serving a tradition.”

In his nearly 31 years wearing Army camouflage, Jenkins has seen many changes in uniforms, equipment and even leadership styles.

“Platoon leadership is the same as it always has been and I have the best bunch of soldiers,” Jenkins said.

He said the Army has assigned soldiers from across the country to fill vacant jobs in the 307th.

“They came from all different units but I watched them bond. Quickly. It's great to see,” the sergeant said.

About 50 soldiers were aboard the buses when they departed New Kensington in the 26-degree chill. After picking up about another 50 comrades at a hotel at Pittsburgh Mills mall, the unit traveled to Pittsburgh International Airport for its flight to El Paso.

Before they boarded the buses, they received bag lunches from the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association, comprised mostly of Vietnam-ear veterans such as Don Fulton of Kittanning, who served as a MP in Vietnam in 1966-67.

The departure marked the final stage of several days of the 307th's send-off from the Alle-Kiski Valley.

The Lower Burrell Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion had lunch for the soldiers Saturday and provided space Sunday for 307th families to say goodbye privately.

On Monday, the buses were escorted by Arnold and New Kensington police as well as fire and ambulance units.

“Look at what the soldiers do. It's the least we can do,” said New Kensington police Chief Jim Klein.

A combined VFW and American Legion color guard from Lower Burrell lined Leecburg Road, displaying American and military branch flags as a farewell to the 307th and a wish for their speedy return.

Chuck Biedka is a Tribune-Review staff writer. Reach him at 724-226-4711 or at cbiedka@tribweb.com.