Group of Utah soldiers serving together again

The Manti unit volunteers expect to spend about four months training at Camp Shelby and at Fort Irwin in the California desert, said Crissie Willardson, Aaron Willardson's wife. Then they've been told they'll have an 11-day leave before heading for one year of possibly dangerous duty in Iraq. Parrish said their mission will include "some police work in the city, looking for the bad guys and checking for roadside bombs."

The Manti and Ephraim communities rallied to support the men. Prior to departure, the men and their families met at Ephraim Middle School, where a local school administrator who had served in Iraq with another Sanpete County unit briefed them about what to expect. The next day, the Snow College LDS Stake hosted a fireside for soldiers and families.

The six returned missionaries made the most of their little time at home before leaving for duty — two were married and one popped the question to his girlfriend.

The decision to serve "made it really hard, not because I was afraid to go to war, but because it really changed all of our plans," Brady Willardson said of the engagement. His fiancee, Beth Stocks, said, "We know his serving is the best thing to do."

All of the men seemed pleased that the Manti unit members would be serving together.

"I couldn't be happier to go with my friends," said Ladd Bradley. "I hope we can stay together."

Lynn Willardson, who served 27 years with the Manti unit, and whose two sons, both returned missionaries, are now headed for Iraq, said, "I got the boys into the Guard because . . . the financial aid and school benefits were so good. It's a lot more than that, of course. It's pride in our nation and determination to help others."

His wife, Sharalee, said, "I look at it like they're going on another mission."

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Contributing: Leigh Dethman

E-mail: suzannedean@hotmail.com