Posted on 07/27/2005 4:05:08 PM PDT by SandRat
MILLINGTON, Tenn., July 27, 2005 – Millington, Tenn., recently held a parade to show its appreciation for the service of the Memphis-based Army National Guard 1171st and 655th Transportation Companies and the 380th Medical Company.
Of the more than 50 convoys Spc. James Pack rode in during the past year and a half, the parade was the first one in which he could relax.
As the floats, dance groups, cars and bands wove their way down city streets, the only crashes came from cymbals, the pitter-patter was from snare drums, and those watching the procession only applauded, took pictures and called out, "Thank you."
"This is the first time I got in something like that and (was) not worried about getting shot and killed," said the 21-year-old Pack, a Millington resident who recently joined the 1171st Transportation Unit after being discharged from active duty.
He and dozens of other soldiers, many from the 1171st and 655th Transportation units and 380th Medical Company, were honored in the parade.
A concert planned for the same evening was canceled by officials from the Alcohol Chemical Abuse Rehab Center of Memphis, who were organizing it.
To some of the soldiers riding in floats or watching from the stands, the parade was a welcome token of appreciation for their service.
"I like it," Pack said as he rode along Navy Road on a trolley. "It's the best thing we've had since I've been back.
"It's such a thrill to be welcomed back with open arms and congratulated on a job well done. .. whether it was a desk job or delivering fuel to units out in the field." added Master Sgt. Wendell Edwards of the 655th.
Residents who showed up to display their support also indicated satisfaction with the parade.
"I thought it was fantastic," Deanna Swartzell said. "We need to recognize our troops more. We really don't recognize them the way we should."
The parade featured such performers as the Bellevue Baptist Church marching band, the Dungarees and Petticoats Square Dancing Club and floats by the Millington Jaycees, Civitan Club, the city of Millington and others.
"We (wanted to) get our name out in the Millington community and to support our troops," Civitan President Terri Goodner said. "It was also a good chance to get some of our Special Olympics kids out there. Our focus is people with developmental disabilities, (so) we do a lot with the Special Olympics."
Lee Buchschacher, West Tennessee vice commander for the American Legion, said that, without effort by the community, returning reserve units may not get the same recognition as their active-duty counterparts.
"Very quietly, we have been having units shipped out and coming back," he said. "When the big, active-duty divisions come back, they have huge celebrations with (often well-known) performers. But the reserve units don't really get that, because of the process."
An ACAR employee originally had announced that country singer Randy Travis would perform in concert after the parade as a benefit for the organization and show of support for the troops. Russell then said Travis couldn't come, but that a number of other performers, including Lorrie Morgan, would be here.
But late last week, ACAR cancelled the concert, because organizers couldn't raise the needed upfront cash. The employee who had announced the event, Kelly Russell, no longer works for ACAR.
But parade organizers Rhonda and David O'Dell, both retired from the U.S. Marine Corps, said they were pleased with that event. Dave, also known as "Dogbone," is national president of the Military Veterans Motorcycle Club, which co-sponsored the event.
"I think our troops definitely feel welcome now," Rhonda said. "I would do it again. I saw a lot of smiling faces on those floats go by. For what they've done, there is nothing we could do to thank them enough."
(Pam Warnken, Navy Personnel Command communications director contributed to this report which is reprinted with permission from the Millington Star.)
Thanks, SandRat! Good to see people who support the troops! A big thank you to them, and to the troops who do the hard work of keeping us free! *sniff*
That's my boys!
And just think - BBQ pork eaters = they're fueled with terrorist kryptonite!
Don't forget about the fried pork chops, ham any way they please, bacon, pork rinds and beer.
The least that someone could do it's to say thanks in some way, well done!
Thanks for the tissue. Every time I read about people doing things for our troops it brings tears to my eyes and joy to my heart.
Good post, SandRat!
BTT!!!!!
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