Posted on 07/08/2005 9:11:51 AM PDT by InformedMomOf6
TRAVERSE CITY, Mich., May 18 /PRNewswire/ -- DTE Energy today announced that members of the United States Army's 182nd Transportation Company home from duty in Iraq will serve as the Grand Marshals of the DTE Energy Cherry Royale Parade July 9. The parade is one of the highlights of the National Cherry Festival held here annually.
As grand marshals, the Traverse City-based unit will represent all U.S. military men and women serving in Iraq. The 182nd Transportation Company is comprised of soldiers from Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. Their responsibilities in Iraq include driving the fuel trucks that often have come under attack from insurgents. Thirteen of the company's 98 members have earned Purple Hearts.
"These are men and women who have made extraordinary sacrifices for our country," said Fred Shell, DTE Energy vice president of corporate and government affairs. "We are very proud to have them lead our parade this year and to have the opportunity, along with the rest of the community, to say thanks -- and welcome home."
Two members of the company will lead off the parade, carrying a banner with their unit's insignia. They will be followed by a convertible Humvee carrying soldiers who were injured during the war, a marching unit of approximately 25 soldiers, and a transport vehicle representative of those the company drove in Iraq to deliver fuel and supplies.
bttt
Cheer them once for me.
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