|
Plenty of thanks: Soldiers visit area
Monday, February 16, 2009
By: Jason Brubaker - NYK
LTC David Burwell of the 1/320th Field Artillery Regiment says he can't wait to arrive in Northern Kentucky to thank residents for their support during his unit's deployments in Iraq.
Advertisement
He's also likely to hear a few thank-you's himself.
Burwell and 35 other soldiers from the regiment will be visiting the area Feb. 19-21 for some special events planned by the Adopt-A-Troop committees from Villa Hills, Lakeside Park, Crescent Springs and Taylor Mill. Each city adopted a battery from the regiment, and have been regularly sending care packages, letters, cards and gifts to the soldiers during their deployment.
- More Kenton County news
- Kenton County blog
The cities raised money for the soldiers in a variety of ways, including bake sales, dances, flea markets, and even putting together a Top Gun cookbook. They also sold rubber bracelets adorned with the 1/320th name, similar to the popular "Live Strong" bands worn by Lance Armstrong.
"I can't fully express how important the support was to me and my soldiers," said Burwell in an e-mail. "When a soldier is deployed, they constantly seek confirmation that what they are doing is meaningful. The incredible support frames in the soldiers' minds that their sacrifices are cherished."
During their visit, the soldiers will be treated to a variety of events in each city. Each battery will be visiting different schools to talk with the students on Friday afternoon, and there is a dinner planned that night at Summit Hills Country Club to honor all of the soldiers. There will also be a special service Saturday morning at the Kenton County Veteran's Memorial where a park bench will be dedicated to the unit for their service.
"We're just glad we'll get to show our appreciation for what our soldiers do for us," said Jane Terrell, a Villa Hills resident who helped to put together the Top Gun cookbook last year.
"This is definitely going to be a great weekend," added Julie Schuler, who headed the Adopt-A-Troop committee in Villa Hills.
Lakeside Park councilman Ken Henrickson, who helped to organize many of their city's fundraisers, said their main goal was to keep the troops' morale high, and credited the residents for their generosity.
"We're fortunate enough to live in an area that's very patriotic and very supportive," he said.
Denise West, the Adopt-A-Troop liaison for Taylor Mill, said all of the work that went into raising money for the troops has been well worth it.
"The days we have the dances are 12-hour work days but I don't mind because I know the money is going toward a good cause," she said of the monthly firehouse dances. "It's very rewarding to know that we're sending something from home to the troops and they know we're thinking about them."
Burwell, a 27-year veteran of the military, said he has never seen an area offer such strong support for a unit, particularly in such difficult economic times.
"I'm not sure how to say thank-you with such magnitude that it hits the mark on how grateful we are for having such wonderful support," he said. "The war on terrorism is going to be a long fight...and this bond between us will enable all of us to endure the sacrifices the future will bring. The support reminds each and every one of our soldiers why they do what they do."
|
|
|
