SWAC Girl

Friday, February 22, 2008

Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... "Dear American Soldier"

Sign left at entrance to Armory.

The sign was hand-lettered on poster board and left at the entrance to the National Guard Armory in Staunton. Attached were two balloons and small American flags. The sign said:

Dear American Soldier:

During this difficult time please know that we stand behind you and appreciate everything you are doing for our country. When duty called, I am glad that you answered. Our hearts are with you as you walk through danger. You've put your life on the line so that others may live free. May this spirit of "Freedom" continue to guide you through these trying times and God be your pilot.

THANK YOU for your bravery and dedication as you defend our country, and for honoring our country with your service.

In case someone hasn't told you today ...

YOU ROCK!

May God continue to be with you and your families. We are proud of you ... grateful and blessed to be called AMERICANS.

Amen.

Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... the signs

Photos by SWAC Girl

Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... Congressman Goodlatte welcome home troops

Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-6th Congressional Distrct) was in Stuanton Thursday to welcome home the troops of the 116th Stonewall Brigade. He has been a strong supporter of the military and of the mission in Iraq.

Photos by SWAC Girl

Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... well-wishers came from other areas

Trixie Averill is a military mom who has seen her Army son deployed to Iraq three times during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Although she lives in Roanoke, she drove to Staunton to welcome home the Stonewall Brigade. She was also with us in Charlottesville last June when we stood up to Cindy Sheehan's anti-war protesters with our WIN THE WAR signs.

Photo by SWAC Girl

Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... patriot Westies for USA!

Trixie Averill holds the leash with Katie Rose and Colin, her Westies, as newly-arrived troops give them some attention.

Augusta Chairman Kurt Michael holds Katie Rose while Trixie Averill holds Colin outside the Armory in Staunton. These patriotic dogs have welcomed home numerous troops including Trixie's Army son who has been deployed to Iraq three times during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... "you've got to have friends"

Many thanks to friends Barb and Larry Tillett, and to my husband for their help with the flags, the yellow ribbons, the bunting, and everything else that went into welcoming home our heroes. The guys are both Vietnam-era veterans (Army and Air Force) ... and they remember what it was like to have anti-war protesters meet them when they returned home. They are determined this generation will always know they are loved and appreciated by America.

We all arrived around noon and, while it was cold outside with temps in the mid 20s, the warmth of friends kept us going. Thanks, Guys! It was fun!

Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell

Homecoming for 116th Stonewall Brigade ... more photos of Grace Christian School students

Photos by SWAC Girl

Homecoming ... SWAC-GOP leadership greeted soldiers

Augusta Chairman Kurt Michael (front), Scott Sayre, Jacob Parrish, Waynesboro Chairman Chris Darden, Staunton Chairman Anne Taetzch (not pictured)

Trixie Averill and Barb Tillett

Jacob Parrish, Scott Sayre, Larry Tillett, Barb Tillett

Trixie and the "kids" -- Colin and Katie Rose.

Barb Tillett, Chris Darden, Bill Mitchell, Kurt Michael

The SWAC area Republicans turned out in force to welcome home the 116th Stonewall Brigade to the Army National Guard Armory in Staunton....

Photos by SWAC Girl

Homecoming of 116th Stonewall Brigade ... more photos

Kim Wiseman (right) with her mom.

Bob Campbell and Don Brown stand on the steps to welcome troops.

Many members of the VFW were there.

Families, friends, and well-wishers....

Fonda Gardner greets soldiers.

Kenny Oakes, Andrea Oakes, and their children were there....

The community as well as military families crowded around the chartered buses loaded with the 116th Stonewall Brigade as they arrived at the Thomas D. Howie Memorial National Guard Armory. Hundreds turned out from the SWAC area.

Photos by SWAC Girl