Iowa National Guard Troops Send-Off Ceremony at the Iowa National Guard Armory in Clinton, Iowa on 08.02.10. This is part 2 of 2 videos I recorded & put together. This video features a speech by Commander Jason M. Merchant, a gift of a flag by the Patriot Guard Riders & the release of the troops as they visit with family & friends.
Clinton Herald: http://clintonherald.com/local/x1243784289/Clinton-soldiers-deployed
Clinton soldiers deployed
Clinton National Guard troops heading to Afghanistan
By Angie Bicker
Herald Staff Writer
August 3, 2010
CLINTON — Clinton's National Guard Armory was filled with well-wishers Monday as they turned out for a send-off ceremony for approximately 30 Clinton-area soldiers being deployed to Afghanistan.
A volunteer Patriot Guard stood outside of the armory holding flags on either side of the sidewalk. Four motorcyclists stood to pay tribute to the soldiers. Davenport resident Neal Riede rode up by himself to honor the soldiers being deployed while many other individuals held flags to honor the soldiers.
Clinton is home to members of the First Battalion, 133rd Infantry of the Iowa National Guard. The 30 soldiers are a few of the approximately 2,800 Iowa soldiers heading to Afghanistan in the next few weeks. The platoon will go to Dubuque next to meet with the rest of the unit and enjoy another send-off ceremony. The troops will then report to Camp Shelby, Miss., for additional training before heading to Afghanistan.
Family, friends, and residents attended Monday's send-off ceremony as did DeWitt Girl Scout troop 23. which was going to be in the area to work at a local blood drive and wanted to support the troops. The girls made posters and signs to show their support.
Wendy Fylstra-Dewitt attended the event with her daughter, Jackie Dewitt, and other family members to support her son, Private First Class James S. Dewitt, 19. Fylstra-Dewitt said James is her only son and her youngest child.
"I came out because I wanted to make sure he knew that I was proud of him," said Fylstra-Dewitt. "It's extremely emotional. I'm really proud of him."
After the honor guard marched in and everyone stood, the audience was given the battalion's history and an introductory prayer was given. This prayer asked that the soldiers be wrapped in loving arms to ensure a safe return home and thanked them for the sacrifices they make.
The event had several speakers. John Judge, veteran and husband of Iowa Lt. Gov. Patty Judge, read a statement from Gov. Chet Culver. Judge also offered personal thanks from himself and his wife for all the soldiers have done and continue to do.
"That's why I'm proud to be joining your friends, your family, your neighbors here today to honor your service, to wish you godspeed and to hope that you will remember that we're here pulling for you until you come back home in the loving arms and the people who care for you," said Judge.
U.S. Congressman Bruce Braley also expressed support for the soldiers. He said he was honored to be there and be part of the ceremony.
Clinton Mayor Rodger Holm recognized the need for citizen soldiers and that these citizen soldiers are making a tremendous sacrifice. He said they are leaving their homes to answer the call, leaving family and friends behind. Holm wished them well.
Capt. Jason Merchant thanked everyone for seeing them off and thanked the organizations and individuals in the community who helped plan the event. He said he appreciated the support, especially from the friends and family gathered in the small room. He said there is a need for these citizen soldiers and he knows these soldiers will do great things. Merchant told the family members he realizes having their loved ones deployed can be a difficult challenge.
"But we could not do our job without you doing yours." said Merchant. He said their support and love are invaluable.
After the ceremony, family and friends spent time with the soldiers who are be deployed. Amanda Martin held onto her fiancé, Private E-2 Joshua Nohai, shedding tears. Martin said she is so proud of him and will miss him. His, father Joseph Nohai, said the family prays for his safe return.
"I just want him to come home safe," said his mother, Linda Reader. "That's all I want."
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Iowa National Guard Troops Send-Off Ceremony Pt 1 of 2 - Clinton, IA 08.02.10by HeinitzProductions969 views
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