The call-up of about 3,000 Texas citizen-soldiers for duty in southwest Asia to support Operation Iraqi Freedom is the largest mobilization in the state's history since World War II.

After half a century, the 36th Infantry Division, formally the 49th Armored Division, was reactivated to help transform the Texas Army National Guard into a more mobile and lethal fighting force that will see a new generation of soldiers wearing the "T-Patch" committed to helping fight the global war on terrorism and carry on the proud legacy established by their predecessors.

Col. James K. Brown, 56th Brigade commander, said that his soldiers have inherited a great legacy from former "T-Patchers," especially the World War II veterans, and that his Soldiers will try to live up to that legacy in Iraq.

Colonel Brown also praised his Soldiers for the hard work and sacrifice that they and their families make in order to prepare for the challenging mission ahead.

"Texas can be proud of its Soldiers and the service that they are performing both for the state and their country," Colonel Brown said. "I want their families to be proud because the sacrifices they are making and because the families themselves also serve.

"I want my children to know that it is necessary for those in uniform and their families to have to make the personal sacrifice for freedom," Wolfe said.

Wolfe also said that, in following in the footsteps of the veterans that served in two World Wars, the T-Patchers of today have some big shoes to fill.

"I think that we are going to write the next chapter in the history of the 36th ID," Wolfe said. "And I am confident that we are going to complete a successful mission in Iraq and make the people of Texas and our T-Patch veterans proud."

After the conclusion of several heartfelt farewell ceremonies held in honor of the deploying soldiers in various communities, the soldiers of the 56th placed their civilian careers on hold and reported to Fort Hood for training.

While at Fort Hood, they were outfitted with the latest high-tech weapons and state-of-the-art equipment that they will need for the deployment. They also received the most up-to-date training in urban operations and were taught to protect themselves against terrorist tactics and improvised explosive devices used by insurgents.

Some of the Guardsmen had to learn to re-think how to perform their mission and adapt to fighting the guerilla-style tactics the insurgents use.

Sgt. William J. Hartman, an M1A1 Abrams main battle tank

crewman, said that he and his fellow soldiers have a steep learning curve that they must overcome in just a few short months before they are sent overseas.

Hartman explained that tankers are trained in armored warfare and are accustomed to fighting fast and striking the enemy from a distance in their tank. He said that reverting from an armored role to an infantry role presented a challenge in a number of different areas.

"We as tankers have a comfort zone in that we are used to operating as a team inside a 63-ton vehicle that is our own little protective capsule," Hartman explained.

Hartman emphasized that they will have to think outside of the box and learn to adapt to infantry tactics because they are going to operate in an urban environment. That places a greater emphasis on the level of focus into the training that they perform.

"We all believe in what we are doing and why we are here," Hartman said. "When it comes to the training, our Soldiers know the importance of it and they want to get damn good at it, because we have a real-world mission ahead of us. Our lives and the lives of others depend on how well we learn our jobs and how we execute it."

With just a year of military experience under his belt and only 19 years old, Pvt. Tony Montez will have to grow up quickly. Instead of enjoying his last teenage year and going to college like his friends back home, he is learning the hard lessons of life firsthand.

Montez said that being a soldier is what he always wanted to do: to make his parents proud by serving his country. He also noted that he has always liked helping other people and takes great pride in knowing that he and his fellow soldiers are doing a part in helping the Iraqi people become free.

Sounding much like a seasoned veteran, Montez said that he fully understands the importance of the mission that he is about to be a part of and the seriousness of the training that they are receiving to prepare them for battle.

"I've got to take this training seriously and try to watch out for my buddies' backs because they may end up saving my life," Montez said.