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FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
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Posted on 01/16/2003 6:29:27 AM PST by LavaDog
The atmosphere at Crestview Elementary's gym Tuesday afternoon rivaled a political convention.
But amid the flag-waving and patriotic songs, one figure stood out — principal Doug Smith.
Make that, U.S. Marine Sgt. Doug Smith.
Crestview staff and students gave a festive send-off to Smith, a Marine reservist, who was recently called up to active duty and who left Tuesday.
Dressed in his crisp Marine uniform, Smith, Crestview principal for a year, addressed students and staff in the cramped gym and greeted students, staff, teachers and other well-wishers individually outside just after red, white and blue balloons were released.
How long will he be gone?
"However long it takes to get the job done," he replied.
Marine reservists came into Lubbock this week to prepare for deployment that coincides with the American military buildup in the Gulf region for a possible war with Iraq.
Smith told the Old Glory-waving students amassed in the gym that one reason he is serving the United States is because of them and to protect their ability to live and learn in freedom.
"The strength of any nation is in its individual citizens," Smith said. "Not matter what bravado a government shows, its strength comes from its citizens."
In addition to the 600 students and Crestview staff and teachers, Smith will be away from his wife and three young children.
However, although he will distant from his family, he said he wants to serve to protect others with families.
Amid boisterous chants of "Mr. Smith" and "U-S-A" from the students, Terry Kinard, Frenship director of human resources, noticed some tears among some of the adults.
The tears, he said, should be of pride. He told students that their principal's duty should be remembered as they learn about American ideals in their history and government classes.
"This should not be a sad time," Kinard said. "Today is not a sad day. Today is really a special and proud day."
A U.S. Marine flag will fly on the school's flagpole until Smith returns, and Smith was given a Frenship flag "so that everybody on the other side of the world knows that you don't mess with the Frenship Tigers," Kinard said.
Kinard said one other district employee was called up for duty. Smith's responsibilities will be absorbed by teachers and a counselor who have principal certifications, he said.
Lubbock and Lubbock-Cooper school district didn't report any reservists among their ranks who were called up.
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FreeRepublic , LLC PO BOX 9771 FRESNO, CA 93794
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I hope he didn't shake hands while wearing his gloves. That's a no-no.
http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/011503/loc_011503038.shtml
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