Troop Send-Off.

**McD** · 08-06-2010, 12:12 PM

There are tons of troop send-off ceremonies throughout the state of Iowa right now. As a state we are experiencing the largest deployment of Guard Soldiers since WWII.

DH helped set-up and coordinate the send-off ceremony of his troop since he is rear detachment. It was really hard for him to send-off a group of guys that he has been with for years now.

We have noticed some neat things happening amongst the families though. One soldier made black t-shirts for his entire family with the quote 'Freedom Isn't Free' on the front and his name on the back. They looked like a gang sitting in the auditorium.

One soldier's wife decorated her hair and her daughter's hair in yellow ribbons like the cadence--in her hair, she wore a yellow ribbon. She wore it for her soldier who was far far away.

Has anyone else noticed anything unique at a send-off ceremony?

**ncarr** · 08-06-2010, 01:08 PM

Not a send off but we had a HUGE homecoming of soldiers today in the Tampa Bay area. I choked up when they showed a little boy run to his dad who he hadn't seen in a year. There is something so beautiful about watching families be reunited.

**onencgirl** · 08-06-2010, 03:39 PM

My DS#2 was in the military for 11 years. He did 2 tours in Iraq among other places. The feeling that comes over you when you see their plane landing to bring them home is overwhelming.... also, is overwhelming when they leave in a different way.

**frugalfranny** · 08-07-2010, 02:32 AM

Originally Posted by MrsMcDowell

We have noticed some neat things happening amongst the families though. One soldier made black t-shirts for his entire family with the quote 'Freedom Isn't Free' on the front and his name on the back. They looked like a gang sitting in the auditorium.

One soldier's wife decorated her hair and her daughter's hair in yellow ribbons like the cadence--in her hair, she wore a yellow ribbon. She wore it for her soldier who was far far away.

Originally Posted by ncarr

I choked up when they showed a little boy run to his dad who he hadn't seen in a year. There is something so beautiful about watching families be reunited.

These things are beautiful but they always choke me up when I watch them on TV.

It has got to be so hard for these families while they are away.

**Palooka** · 08-07-2010, 05:33 AM

Originally Posted by MrsMcDowell

There are tons of troop send-off ceremonies throughout the state of Iowa right now. As a state we are experiencing the largest deployment of Guard Soldiers since WWII.

I'm curious if you know why the state of Iowa is sending more troops than another state? I might have a gather. I have no idea about our state, but all around it sucks!

I'm waiting for the Obama admin. promise to send our troops home...but I know this wouldn't be any different with the other party. It would increase for sure. It just all around sucks and I cry for the families

This really shouldn't be happening now!!! The US has it's priorities mixed up again. Gah!

**McD** · 08-07-2010, 08:40 AM

It's based off the troop structure and the mission. For instance, your state may have mainly units that are considered 'support' units or 'maintenance' units. The units that we sent are all mainly in the combat arms field--Cav, Infantry, Engineers, etc.

Good question, Palooka!

**ShadowMom** · 08-07-2010, 11:44 AM

Originally Posted by MrsMcDowell

There are tons of troop send-off ceremonies throughout the state of Iowa right now. As a state we are experiencing the largest deployment of Guard Soldiers since WWII.

DH helped set-up and coordinate the send-off ceremony of his troop since he is rear detachment. It was really hard for him to send-off a group of guys that he has been with for years now.

We have noticed some neat things happening amongst the families though. One soldier made black t-shirts for his entire family with the quote 'Freedom Isn't Free' on the front and his name on the back. They looked like a gang sitting in the auditorium.

One soldier's wife decorated her hair and her daughter's hair in yellow ribbons like the cadence--in her hair, she wore a yellow ribbon. She wore it for her soldier who was far far away.

Has anyone else noticed anything unique at a send-off ceremony?

I'm not military, but I ride with a motorcycle group called The Patriot Guard Riders. Thank your husband and the others for their service to our country and the sacrifices they and your families make to provide freedom for us and others who need our help.