Jennifer Geiger, Producer
Last Updated: 7/12/2005 11:54:06 PM

Tennessee's 278th Regimental Combat Team has been in Iraq since December.

We've done a lot of stories on our hometown heroes, but we've never been able to take you to Camp Caldwell where most of them are stationed. But now, we can show you the important work they're doing.

The 278th is on a dangerous mission. They travel in armored convoys transporting troops and supplies across enemy territory. But, their most important mission is helping ensure a better future for the Iraqi people.

"We're working with the Iraqis now, training them to take over this area when we leave," says Sgt. Shawn Dalton, a 278th medic. "We're having to learn a whole different culture. And so are they, so its very interesting."

Sgt. Dalton of Tellico Plains is teaching Iraqi medics how to do his job.

"I think we're doing a lot of good. The Iraqi medics I work with love that we're here," says Sgt. Dalton. "They say it was so bad before they came and that we're making a big change."

278th Supply Sergeant

"I've seen a big change since we've been here," says Sgt. Rick Poore, a 278th supply sergeant. "You know, they're getting their own government, starting to do things for themselves."

Sgt. Poore from Tazewell spends his days in Iraq supplying soldiers with everything from snacks to spare parts, but his favorite job has been delivering food, clothing and toys to Iraqi children.

"A lot of people back home don't realize what we're doing here. "They think we're wasting our time after going out and seeing the help I gave these kids. "Its a good experience for me," says Sgt. Poore.

That's a message Staff Sergeant Mitch Montgomery hopes to share with the folks back home in Athens.

"There are a lot of good people who live here," says the 278th mechanic. "It's not all bad. A lot of kids, I feel like that's why we're here, so the kids will grow up and they'll do something for this country."

That makes the hours Staff Sergeant Montgomery spends doing his job all worth it.

We're working about 9 hours a day," he says. "Slowed down some, we first got here, worked daylight to dark sometimes later."

The desert is tough on vehicles keeping all the 278th mechanics busy.

"We've learned to improve on our maintenance over here because here lives are at risk," says Staff Sergeant Todd Thomas, another 278th mechanic. "So, we want to make sure our equipment stays up 110%."

Its hard work, but the Wartburg soldier says its worth it.

"I don't think none of us regret it," says SSG Thomas. "We would rather be home with families, but we don't regret doing this. We don't."

The soldiers are putting their lives on the line everyday, fighting for two countries: the one they call home, and the one they want to make a better place.

Story Copyright to WBIR TV