173 National Guard Soldiers left today for Iraq. Their leaving didn't go unnoticed. The soldiers who come from all parts of Georgia had their final formation in Bainbridge in Centennial Field. 

The Bainbridge High School JROTC Posting of Colors

With the soldiers on the field and stands full of family, friends and well wishers, these men and women received a send-off they aren't soon to forget. 

The 1230th Transportation Unit, lead by Commander Capt. Joshua Emerson, have spent months preparing for the deployment. 6 minute video of the ceremony

Following the posting of the colors by the Bainbridge High School Air Force JROTC and the National Anthem by Leigh Mullis the unit can to parade rest. It was time for well wishes.

Congressman Sanford Bishop promised the soldiers and their families that they would have everything they needed to support their mission.  He also promised their families would be taken care of just as they would be upon their return.

Lt. General David Poythress, the Adjutant General of the Georgia Army National Guard, Commander of the 78th Troop Command, Brigadier General Lawrence Ross and Lt. Colonel Carl White, Commander of the 110th Corps Support Battalion all expressed great praise for the unit.

Mayor of Bainbridge, Mark Harrell and County Commission Chairman Palmer Rich both thanked the soldiers for serving their county and promised their support to the soldiers and those left behind.

Potter Street Elementary flag given to the soldiers

The children from Potter Street School presented Captain Emerson with a very special American Flag. The flag is made from the hands of all the kindergartners at the school. Each hand print was cut out and the child's name is on it. Originally made for Veterans Day the flag had hung at the school until today. Those tiny hands will now go with the soldiers. Kaye Forbes and the students that ride school bus 03-5 also presented the soldiers with a card full of well wishes.

Before the end of the ceremony, General Poythress made special presentations to those that help organize the event.  Amanda Glover, Community Development Director; Suzanne Brandt, Executive Director of Keep Bainbridge-Decatur Beautiful; Melissa Dalton, 1230th Family Assistance Coordinator and Sue Steiner were all given a special coin.

One last hug

The soldiers marched off the field singing the Army song, "The Army Goes Rolling Along". The four buses were waiting. Families and friends came out of the stands for one last hug, on last kiss to last for the next 18 months.

Before they loaded they were given one more thing, care packages that Park Avenue made for each of them with fruit, candy, cookies, water, pen and paper.

Jo Ann Sullivan hands soldier a goodie bag

On Louise Street another surprise waited for the buses. All of Elcan-King had come out. With American Flags waving and holding banners the children waited. Soon the Decatur County Sheriff's  and Bainbridge Public Safety vehicles could be heard and the blue lights told them the buses were on the way.

Many helped with this special send off. The flags for the families, friends and children were provided by Ben Richard, Goin'Postal who also was there to hand them out. The orange juice and doughnuts were provided by VFW Post 4904, Bainbridge Leisure Services and city workers helped where needed.  The American Legion Ladies Auxiliary helped with refreshments and flags and programs. Pepsi donated soda and water.

Ribbons of Rememberance at the Armory

Merritta Godwin, Lauren Rentz, Ida Cooksey and Ronda Warren made the yellow ribbons that adorn the trees at the Armory. The goodie bags for the soldiers were donated and made by Park Avenue Bank and Carla Robinson, Jo Ann Sullivan, Frank Posey and Scott Ewing handed them to the soldiers as they boarded the buses.

Special thanks to everyone who helped. We aren't done yet though. We need to let them know that we are here and behind them. An easy way to do that is cards and letters or just a simple gift.

If you don't know who or where to send something just take it to Goin' Postal. That is the drop point for things to be sent. Ask Ben or contact Melissa Dalton, 1230th Family Assistance Coordinator at 248-2694 extension 8484.