FORT BRAGG, N.C. (WTVD) — With Fayetteville being a military town, most people have connections to Fort Bragg, and though feelings are split on the war in Iran, the consensus is that when Uncle Sam calls, you answer.
“It’s horrible, and you don’t get over it,” said Ruby Alton.
Alton, 86, is a Gold Star wife. She lost her husband, Gail Alton, decades ago during the Vietnam War. Like many military families, she’s watching another conflict unfold. This time in Iran.
“If we didn’t do it over there, they’d be doing it here. So, that’s how I feel,” she said.
Nobody wants their family involved in war unnecessarily, but when he first went in, I told him there’s always a possibility, no matter what branch. All branches are dangerous.
– Cravis Taybron, Vietnam veteran
Military installations across the country are under threat condition of Bravo, which is the highest level of security before an attack is considered imminent or likely.
On Fort Bragg, car inspections continue, and visitor passes remain necessary to gain entry to the military installation. Other installations across the country have suspended their trusted traveler program when someone with the Department of Defense vouches for someone outside of the military. Fort Bragg doesn’t offer that program.
A source familiar with Fort Bragg told ABC11. that the stakes are high as President Donald Trump announced the U.S.-Israeli strikes could last several weeks. At least 555 people have been killed in Iran. The Pentagon confirmed six American troops have also lost their lives.
“They’re in the Army, OK? They volunteered. They knew what was going to happen sooner or later. So, I think that’s fine,” she said.
Opinions vary on the rising death toll.
“I always say one soldier is always one soldier too many,” said Cravis Taybron.
Taybron, 74, is a Vietnam veteran who served proudly for almost 30 years. The majority of his career was spent in the 82nd Airborne Division on Fort Bragg. He’s the son of a veteran, and now his grandson, who is serving in the Air Force, has been given orders to be on standby as the conflict in the Middle East unfolds.
“Nobody wants their family involved in war unnecessarily, but when he first went in, I told him there’s always a possibility, no matter what branch. All branches are dangerous,” he said.
Like Taybron and Alton, many people in Fayetteville have strong feelings about what’s happening in the Middle East. With Fort Bragg being home to the Airborne and Special Operations, there has been no official word on whether soldiers from there are deployed.
Nonetheless, there’s still a real sense of pride in knowing Fort Bragg stands prepared, if called.
“Best trained. Best equipped. Best prepared. The 82nd is definitely there at all times,” Taybron said.
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