... back in June of 2004, I posted my Cousin's take on the mobilization of our local National Guard unit - the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment - as it began the trip down for training in Mississippi.... if you haven't read it, you probably should... he's a big, big man... and watching those men and women set off into the unknown broke him down....
... the post itself became a message board of sorts... wives, brothers, and sweethearts leaving messages to their servicemen in the comments... and of all the crazy comments left on this blog in the past two+ years, those are some of the most touching I have ever read.... and some of the most meaningful...
.... in November of last year, those wonderful troops - our brothers, sisters, teachers, neighbors, and friends - were sent to service in northeastern Iraq... all of them sacrificed on our behalf... and ten of them gave their lives..
... today, the first group arrived back into the welcoming arms of family and friends... in small towns and big towns across the state... Knoxville, Lafayette, Etowah, Nashville... Monteagle, Gordonsville, and Jellico...
... more will be arriving over the next few weeks... and all of our citizen soldiers should be back in these glorious, Autumn-decorated hills in time for Thanksgiving dinner...
... a Thanksgiving, indeed...
... you men and women of the 278th have made a difference in the lives of countless people... and we, your neighbors, are glad you're back...
... welcome home, 278th... welcome home...
When I was in Tennessee, I noticed many, many signs welcoming this unit home. Just one more thing to like about the South.
Bullshitted by Jim - PRS on November 8, 2005 07:51 PM*raises glass to 278th*
Bullshitted by Harvey on November 8, 2005 09:51 PMThat's great news, Eric!
*clinks glass with Harvey's*
*raising a glass, happy they are honored for who they are, and looking forward to when my kids finally get back next year*
Bullshitted by RSM on November 8, 2005 11:04 PMI too noticed the many signs that were in yards, and staked out clear in the country....we are all proud of them...
and Thanks for giving indeed....
Bullshitted by armywifetoddlermom on November 9, 2005 12:29 AMWelcome home! Thanks for everything.
Bullshitted by Contagion on November 9, 2005 08:54 AMIt was truly great to see the communities pulled together so tightly for the 278th while we were down that way.
Welcome back, and thanks!
Bullshitted by That 1 Guy on November 9, 2005 11:19 AMI have the honor of attending the Homecoming parade for the 1644th this Saturday in Thonpson, IL, the watermelon capitol of the world. (I'm sure you've heard of it) Sure feels good when we get our kids home!
Bullshitted by Marty on November 9, 2005 03:15 PMNot only did I notice the signs, but I do believe your buddy Jason had one in his yard, if memory serves me correctly. The white home whose driveway we turned around in when we bypassed the field. ;-)
Should any of them read this... Welcome Home!
Bullshitted by Bou on November 9, 2005 04:51 PMCheers to the 278th!
Bullshitted by Princess Cat on November 9, 2005 05:24 PMYea Cuz it was a great afternoon Tuesday when V.J. arrived. He rode home with one of his superiors of sorts and didn't ride the bus. Good thing because the bus broke down and put the rest of the guys a couple hours behind. He said coming out of Cleveland they picked up a TN STATE DRAWL DROOPER escort all the way home...... 100+, lights, and sirens all the way. There was a ton of peolple there to welcome them home. Once he got home he was a nervous wreck all of us slugs standing there with signs, ballons, and hollering. He said ya'll all looking at me I am embarrassed don't know what to say except thanks. Of course one at a time we all got him by hisself and said no thank you and all your friends and the friend you lost while there. It was emotional again. But hey WELCOME HOME 278th and THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!
Bullshitted by Big Daddy C on November 10, 2005 07:54 AM