Leonard at Large

Supporting the troops

I had intended to write about a different subject, but with the events of the past week, I decided to use this subject. When I read the article written by Steve Moyer in last Tuesday's edition, "Farewell to the troops," tears came to my eyes. Company A of the 735th Support Battalion departed to Fort Riley before deploying to Iraq.

Their absence from this community and surrounding communities will leave a hole in our communities. These individuals and their families are making a sacrifice for our nation. They are rendering a valuable service. It is difficult to say the proper things to give them the tribute they deserve.

Company A of the 735th Support Battalion was honored at the Haidee and Allen Wild Center for the Arts on Monday, Nov. 1. It was great to read that the place was filled for the celebration. I would like to have been there, but I had another meeting.

The support for them by families, friends, and the community is a great way to demonstrate to them that they are performing an important role.

In many ways it is hard to see them leave, yet they are ready. They have been training for this -- many of them for several years.

The families are proud of them and so are many others. Company A's 1st Sgt. David Park is quoted , "Please do not feel sorry for us, for we have chosen the path of destiny we are taking." I can imagine if I had been there, I would have been choking up. Nevada Mayor Tim Moore was among the speakers. He commented that it was difficult. One of the things that got to me when reading the article was that it was reported the following morning that there were families and friends along U.S. 71 Highway with banners and flags to see the troops off.

When I went into the service, I had a similar attitude that it was something I must do, even with the unknowns looming ahead. It is understandable that Sgt. Parks said this is something that an individual accepts and is ready to go. Still, it remains difficult for the families.

This means that the guardsmen will be away from their families for several months. For those with young children, it means their children will not be able to see their parent. The soldiers will not be there to give support to the children, or to celebrate special occasions. It will be the most difficult during the holidays.

Young families have been observed when their fathers were overseas. It is rather difficult. The parent that is away also misses the family. Recently, one person I know has a daughter who had a baby. Her husband is in Iraq serving in the military. Being away at the time of childbirth would be rather difficult, but this is a part of the sacrifice that the troops and families are making.

Among the troops leaving was 57-year-old Staff Sgt. Harold Spencer. That is an advanced age to go on active duty, considering many are only in their late teens or in their 20s. We had one trainee going through basic training at Fort Leonard Wood at the age of 50 or near 50.We all thought he was old, but he did not have any difficulty keeping up with the young troops -- maybe out-performing many of them. Later in life I realized that he was not old.

Tomorrow (Thursday) we celebrate Veterans Day. Originally, it was Armistice Day. Many of our young people have never heard the term armistice. World War I came to an end on Nov. 11, 1918. The following year, President Wilson proclaim Sept. 11 as Armistice Day, to remind people of the tragedies of war. In 1938 a new law was adopted to make it a legal holiday. Congress changed the name in 1955 to Veterans Day to honor all United States Veterans.

It appears that Veterans Day does have a greater meaning to us, especially with the unit departing from our local area last week. Many of the students in school are not aware of their inheritance, made possible by those serving in the armed forces. It is good to hear that Nevada, Northeast, and Bronaugh schools are among the schools in this area having special ceremonies to honor veterans.

The troops are serving us, and it is important for them to realize that we support them. There are many people who have hung yellow ribbons in numerous places, including on poles and trees along the streets.

Many cars have yellow "Support the Troops" magnetic ribbons on them or red, white, and blue "God Bless America" magnetic ribbons. At one store in Nevada these may be purchased for $1.50.

One of the great things that is being done for the troops in this area is making "Quilted Hugs." More than 150 quilts are being made for sending to the troops over seas.

This is a great gesture and those working on this project are to be complimented.

Mail call is a great time for the troops. Of course, we are living in a different world as many can send or receive e-mail -- a good way to keep in touch. One lady told me the other day that she had held a long phone conversation with her grandson in Afghanistan that morning with him using a cellular phone. This is an age of communication.

Receiving care packages is appreciated and sending them shows support. When I was in the Army, I received packages from the Pleasant Gap Christian Church Ladies Aid.

I felt that they should have sent them to other troops that were more deserving of receiving packages then I as I was serving at Fort Leonard Wood. Still, those cookies and goodies were really good and appreciated.

Many groups will be sending gifts and packages to the troops. One of them will be the local NARFE chapter which has been making special donations as a part of Christmas instead of exchanging gifts. This year it will be for the troops.

Sgt. Parks told the crowd at the farewell event to keep the troops in their thoughts and prayers. This is one way that all of us can support the troops.

On Veterans Day, to show support to the veterans, display the American Flag. It is great to be an American.

Support the troops and may God Bless America.