Brandy Posey said while she’s worried about what could happenwhile her husband Justin is deployed to Iraq, she wouldn’t change athing about the choice he has made to serve his country.

“It’s worth every minute,” the 23-year-old mother said. “Thereare some people who ask us ‘How can you do it? Do you have anyregrets?’ and the answer is no.”

And as they watched their daughter 2-year-old daughter Charliplay happily with her Easter basket at the Family Readiness Group’s”Night at the Fair” Saturday, Justin agreed.

“We’re putting our lives on the line in hostile territory,” hesaid. “But back at home in the simple things, even just going tothe grocery store. It’s a good feeling to know I’m fighting forthat. I’m fighting for us to be a free country.”

Justin Posey, 25, is facing his first deployment with Company Eof the 106th Brigade Support Battalion, and the “Night at the Fair”held at Exchange Club Park Saturday was in his honor and the honorof all the members of his battalion.

Company E will depart for Camp Shelby for pre-deploymenttraining on April 6, and will deploy to north-central Iraq in lateJune or early July.

The unit will be assigned to security duty, such as escortingsupply convoys traveling from point to point in Iraq. It isexpected to return home in the spring of 2010.

On Saturday, Battalion Commander Jeff Vann spoke to the groupabout that assignment before the park rides opened up and the partyreally got started.

“Everyone wonders why we leave our families,” he said. “We dowhat we do so we can keep the freedom we have.”

Vann thanked those in attendance, stressing that many had comeout who were not directly related to anyone being deployed. He saidthat was the real meaning of supporting the troops.

“You don’t know how important it is that you be here for thesefamilies,” he said. “These men will be in harm’s way, and it willbe dangerous, but we’re going to get everyone back home to the bestof our ability.”

Capt. Shain Vice said for families like the Poseys, thedeployment can understandably be a little nerve-wracking.

“For the younger ones, it’s the unknown, they’re a little antsy,a little tense about what will go on at home while they’re gone,”he said. “Some of the older ones who have been deployed before knowwhat to expect. We’ve got a great mix of experience.”

And to address those nerves, not only of the men and womenleaving their families behind but those sending off their lovedones as well, the Family Readiness Group has already startedgarnering support from the Brookhaven community.

“We’ve had people want to support us that we really didn’texpect, like a lady who just walked up and gave me a donation aftershe read about us in the paper,” said FRG Chairperson JoAnnSkipper. “This organization is not just for the soldiers’ families,but for anyone who wants to come to our meetings and supportthem.”

Both Skipper and Vice said they were pleased with the turnoutfor Saturday’s event, and touched to see how many members of thecommunity were actively involved in offering support and help tothe families of the military as they prepare to leave.

FRG Secretary Jana Calcote said even just a little considerationin conversation can make all the difference in the world to thespouse or child of someone overseas.

“If you know someone with a loved one going over there, check onthem from time to time, but also think before you speak,” she said.”Not only is there a lot we can’t talk about, there’s a lot wedon’t want to talk about.”

And even little Charli Posey needs a hug every now and then, andher daddy hasn’t even left just yet, Brandy said.

“Just from what I’ve told her, he walks off to go out in theyard or something and she starts crying,” she said. “They don’tthink like we do and they don’t know like we know, but she knowssomething’s going on.”

Justin said he hates to go, especially when he thinks of leavinghis young family. But it’s his duty.

“I’m prepared to go, but not 100 percent, because no goodsoldier is,” he said. “If they say they’re 100 percent ready,they’re feeding you a line.”