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"I know some of you are disappointed that you sat on the bench and didn't play in the game. Be proud of what you accomplished," Col. Peggy Wilmoth said. "Be thankful you didn't go, because a lot of soldiers are still alive because they didn't have to go."

Wilmoth, stationed at Fort Jackson, addressed the 138 members of the Orangeburg-based 414th Chemical Company who returned from active duty Tuesday. The unit was put on alert in February and sent to Fort Stewart, Ga., where they prepared to join U.S. forces in Iraq.

"They were in the batter's box ready to go," Capt. Mark Payne said. "They were ready; they were the next batter up, but they just didn't get into the game."

The 414th Chemical Company is under the 415th Chemical Brigade. About three months ago, the unit was placed on alert, which translates into a mobilization order within a week, Payne said. Once at their designated mobilization station, the unit is transformed from Reserve to an active Army unit.

It is during this time the mechanisms of the U.S. Army go into high gear. Within six weeks, trained troops coming from one region will be placed on target somewhere in the world with their equipment coming from another area.

"Logistically, they phase in the equipment to go to the soldiers," Payne said. "You retrieve your equipment, and you're ready to move. So, within 45 days of an alert, you're ready."

The primary mission of the 138-soldier 414th Chemical Company can be summed up in four letters: NBCR. Translated, those letters mean the unit provides nuclear, biological, chemical and radiation decontamination of equipment.

"We do these four things," Payne said. "We decontaminate in case of radiation, chemical or any contamination."

Another 414th task is accompanied by the adrenaline rush common to soldiers in battle. They provide smoke support in military operations, Payne said.

Smoke support is supplied by the handling of smoke generators, which are used to provide cover and concealment for soldiers in battle.

"We have brand new smoke systems," Payne said. "The new ones are turbine-engined."

Officially, the unit is active for another two weeks. Payne said that for the soldiers, there is a mixed feeling of relief and disappointment at their orders to stand down. The unit had collected their equipment and were one step away from Iraq.

"They are disappointed they didn't get to go," Payne said. "This company is probably the best prepared of them all."

While they never saw foreign soil, Col. Lewis M. Whisonant, deputy commander of the 415th Chemical Brigade, said the 414th provided support for those who did.

"It's great to have you back. Welcome home," Whisonant said. "You did a great job. One of the greatest aspirations of a soldier is selfless service. You've done a great job and have given selfless service.

"Not only have we kicked a great hole in the buildup of weapons of mass destruction, we've done it worldwide."

The soldiers of the 414th Chemical Company will be "officially" welcomed home during a ceremony next week at a time to be announced.

T&D Staff Writer Richard Walker can be reached by e-mail at rwalker@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5516.

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