Medics deploy to support OIF Published May 8, 2007 By John Ingle 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The scene was the same all across the horseshoe of the 82nd Medical Group May 7 as thick, humid North Texas air hung over the area. A wife wiping a tear away as she watched her child cling to her husband's neck, hoping to absorb all of the love the man possessed - enough to hopefully last four months. Best buds smacked their hands and then pulled their opposite shoulders together, the ultimate hello and goodbye for close friends. Staff Sgt. Tim Schnur stayed near his wife, Kristin, and 4-year-old son, Austin, never straying too far off. In a few hours, the 26-year-old St. Charles, Mo., native would move farther away than he thought; but he was prepared to do what he signed up for. After all, a permanent station really isn't a permanent station in the military. "It's my time to go," the pharmacy instructor from the 882nd Training Group said. "Time to go." Sergeant Schnur and 26 medical personnel from the 82nd MDG set out in support of the global war on terror and Operation Iraqi Freedom. The group will complete their four-month rotation in Southwest Asia. The Schnurs agreed that they aren't too concerned about their short separation because of the amount of support already shown by family, friends and various agencies on base. "The support we get from Col. (Nancy) Dezell on down is awesome," Sergeant Schnur said of his group commander. Kristin Schnur said her brother-in-law recently returned from a deployment. She shared the type of pre-deployment help she has received and what is expected during her husband's time away. "They said they had nothing like that," she said of the pre-deployment events here. "I have been amazed by the amount of support. I think we're going to be OK." The Schnurs have been stationed here for about two-and-a-half years. Sergeant Schnur admitted he thought the assignment here wouldn't involve a deployment, giving him enough time to work on a bachelor degree. But, he is excited and anxious about the opportunity to serve when called. Kristin Schnur is somewhat excited about the deployment, but is at peace, too. "My heart's peaceful and I support their mission," she said, recognizing they will be helping heal America's war wounded and bringing them home. "I know he's going to come home to us." Capt. Robert Russin, chief of medical readiness at the 82nd MDG, said the 27-member group has a positive attitude heading into their deployment. He said there's a good mixture of first-time and multiple-time deployers. More medical personnel will head out May 8 for a similar deployment.