The morning of 26 November
2006 started early for American Legion Riders and Patriot Guard who
traveled to Salina, KS and met at the Kansas Highway Patrol Training
center auditorium. We were there to show our support and respect to 180
US Army Guard soldiers of the famed 731st Transportation Company which
will be traveling the roads of Iraq providing logistics supplies to
America's soldiers. As we all know the soldiers in the convoys are
doing one of the most dangerous jobs in Iraq because of the IEDs.
The Auditorium was packed
with the families, friends and military soldiers. When the Commanding
Officer announced that the soldiers of the 731st were entering, the room
exploded with applause and cheers. There were many Kansas
highest ranking officers on the stage who spoke and paid tribute to
these soldiers and their families. After the ceremony, there was
celebration with cake and beverages.
Things got very serious as
the soldiers lined up in formation outside the auditorium to board the
buses. Many tears were shed, and many hugs and kisses were exchanged
between soldiers and their families. We stood by each bus and shook
hands with each soldier as he boarded. We provided a flag escort to the
edge of town. There were many people along the route waving flags and
cheering for the soldiers.
Everyone this holiday season
please keep all these soldiers and thousands more already overseas in
your prayers so they can return to their families. God bless America's
warriors, and God bless America.
We extend our special thanks
to Stacy Sanders, Don Behrens, and Chuck Ford for planning this event,
and we thank all who participated. You made the departure very
memorable for these soldiers.
Very Respectfully,
Terry "Darkhorse" Houck