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Tennessee Volunteers in Iraq

2nd Lt. Anthony D. Buchanan, 133rd MPAD

BALAD RUZ, Iraq - The 278th Armored Calvary Regiment spent an entire year deployed in Iraq serving their country and reviving the nickname of its great state given many years ago - the "Volunteer State." The 278th ACR is home now, but a few of their members still remain in Iraq exemplifying the Tennessee "volunteer spirit."

Capt. James Hite(right) and Sgt. Lewis E. Ellis Jr. pose for a photo in the gym at FOB Caldwell. Photo: 2nd Lt. Anthony D. Buchanan, 133rd MPAD

Capt. James Hite and Sgt. Lewis E. Ellis Jr., voluntarily chose to remain in Iraq for an additional year to help the Iraqi people and assist future units coming to Iraq.

"At six months into our deployment, the 278th ACR asked if there was anybody willing to stay behind," said Hite, a Hermitage, Tenn., native. "Basically, Sgt. Ellis and I weren't ready to come home yet. We felt like we could do some more good here and help out the Iraqi people."

Ellis, of Oneida, Tenn., worked recovery and maintenance until November when he linked up with Hite to provide security for the 445th Civil Affairs Battalion and be Hite's body guard.

"I don't fear the enemy," said Ellis. "I fear God and my wife."

After the regiment left, the tandem rarely saw Soldiers from Tennessee come through the area. But after seeing me, a Tennessee native myself, their spirits jumped.

"It's good to run across people from Tennessee. It drives you back to the house. You automatically have a tie to them instantly when you meet them. Just meeting you, you're from Shelbyville, I partially grew up in Franklin, my wife is from Tullahoma and I drive through Shelbyville all the time."

Hite and Ellis believe in what their doing and know they're making a difference.

"Anyone who says this war is for the wrong reason needs to come here and see what the United States has actually done," said Ellis. "When you look at the women and children here ... the innocent people ... the innocent victims, you realize the only thing that separates our children, grandchildren and wives from them is 6,000 miles."

The innocent victims these men encounter remind them about their own families back home. In a few more months, Hite and Ellis will be reunited with their families once again. They attribute their strengths and successes to having a strong wife.

Ellis' wife, Pamaela is from Oneida, Tenn.

"God is my greatest strength, but my wife has inspired me and been the wind beneath my wings," said Ellis.

Hite's wife, Marcia, is from Tullahoma, Tenn., and is a music teacher in Hermitage.

"I have a pretty big wedding band that's made up of three rings," said Hite. "Many times people look at it and ask if I'm married to three wives. My response to them is the one wife I have is worth three."

"When you look back and you have a wife who raises your four kids, tells them what you're doing over here, and makes you a hero to them, you can't ask for a better wife than that," said Hite.

Hite and Ellis have been working together for a while and developed a lifetime friendship.

"Capt Hite on more than one occasion, by taking command, taking control, and not losing his cool by staying completely focused on the mission and the commanders intent, he has saved our lives more than once," said Ellis. "It's good to see an officer like that. He's one hell of a commander and a great guy."