Five servicemen from the eastern end of Lawrence County have now been deployed to Iraq with the Army National Guard. The men are part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and are expected to be on their mission for a year.

Members of the U.S. armed forces and coalition forces are currently participating in efforts to free and secure Iraq.

Mission objectives focus on force protection, peacekeeping, stabilization, security and counter-insurgency operations as the Iraqi transitional governing bodies assume full sovereign powers to govern the peoples of Iraq.

Members from all branches of the U.S. military and multinational forces are also assisting in rebuilding Iraq’s economic and governmental infrastructure, and training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq’s sovereignty and independence as a democracy.

Army National Guard and some reserve troops from various states and units have deployed to augment or replace troops serving in Iraq.

Sgt. Adam L. Silvers, a light-wheel mechanic with 11 years of military service, is one of those who have been deployed. He is the son of Terry L. Silvers of Washington Court House and brother of Heather L. Lucas of Hamlin, W.Va.

Silvers’ wife, Kelly, is the daughter of Charlie Ross and Kim Little of Proctorville.

Spc. Timothy M. Willis, a 1994 graduate of Chesapeake High School, has also been sent to serve in Iraq. Willis is a motor transport operator with eight years of military service.

Staff Sgt. David L. Fullen recently arrived in Iraq, too. Fullen is the brother of Linda Kelley of South Point.

Staff Sgt. Gary L. Toney is also now serving in Iraq. Toney is a battle captain with 18 years of military service. He is the son of Paul F. Toney of South Point and is a 1978 graduate of South Point High School.

Spc. Jeremy A. Mannon has been recently deployed as well. He is serving as a motor transport operator with five years of military service. He is the son of David E. and Barbara J. Mannon of State Route 243, Proctorville. The specialist is a 1992 graduate of Fairland High School.