2nd ID troops speak of hopes, fears following Pentagon's announcement

This is the division deploying from S. Korea to Iraq. The troops found out about the deployment through the media.

http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=22335

TONGDUCHON, South Korea — Some 2nd Infantry Division soldiers on their way to Iraq later this summer say they were surprised to hear the news and upset when they learned about the deployment via media reports.

On Monday, South Korean officials announced the United States had informed them of the move. Overnight in Washington, Pentagon officials confirmed it, surprising many who will be sent.

Officials later confirmed that 3,600 soldiers from the 2nd Infantry Division’s 2nd Brigade would be deployed to help maintain the U.S. force in Iraq.

Pfc. Jose Perez of the 2nd Forward Support Battalion, shopping for phone cards Thursday in Tongduchon, the town near 2nd Brigade’s Camp Hovey headquarters, said he’s not looking forward to going.

“I was crying” after hearing of the deployment, he said. “I thought I was going to finish my Korea tour.”