Janesville wishes Guard members farewell with dinner and ceremony
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Justin Sonnentag of Evansville holds his 2 1/2-year-old daughter Ashlyn at a dinner before a Predeployment Commemoration fo 130 soldiers from Wisconsin National Guard Company A at Craig High School on Friday. Lassiter
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Grant Zilliox, 3, of Janesville, feeds a potato chip to his mother Shannon at a dinner for members of the Wisconsin Army National Guard Company A before a Predeployment Commemoration at Craig High School on Friday.
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Jose Rivera of Oak Creek throws his 5-year-old son Ignacio into the air prior to a Predeployment Commemoration for Wisonsin Army National Guard Company A at Craig High on Friday.
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Jamie Evans of Beloit looks up at his 5-year-old son Keaton while waiting in line for dinner at Craig High School prior to a Predeployment Commemoration on Friday.
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Shawn Raymer of Janesville shares an intimate moment with his girlfriend Stephanie Vohs during a dinner at a Predeployment Commemoration for 130 soldiers from Wisconsin Army National Guard Company A and their friends and family on Friday.
JANESVILLE — Hearts ached behind the smiles and hoo-ahs! at Craig High School on Friday night.
More than 130 members of a Janesville-based Wisconsin Army National Guard unit, along with their families, were treated to dinner and a ceremony honoring their sacrifice.
The soldiers will be away from their families for about a year, most of that time in Iraq.
“I’m sad, but it’s his job, and I’m from a military family,” said Alicia Thies of Round Lake Beach, Ill., as she stood in the food line in the Craig High cafeteria with her new husband.
Alicia recently married Spc. Jeff Thies. This will be Jeff’s second tour in Iraq. He said he’s less scared this time around.
Thies said he was grateful for the event, which helped families learn something about the military before their loved ones left them.
Janesville businesses, individuals, veterans organizations and others put the program together for Alpha Company of the 132nd Support Battalion.
“I’m glad to know that the city came together and pitched in. It was good to know—before we leave,” said Spc. Brett Lange of Milton.
Alpha Company is one of many comprising the 32nd Brigade, which still sports the Red Arrow emblem it earned in World War I. This will be the brigade’s largest deployment since World War II.
The unit will deploy to Texas for training before the end of the month.
Spc. Kenneth Gambill of Beloit said he was pleasantly surprised to be the object of appreciation, given that the war has gone on for nearly six years. He was worried that support for the troops had waned.
“It means a lot that the community—pretty much the whole nation—is behind the Armed Forces,” Gambill said.
“It makes you feel special that they’re putting on something for us,” said Sgt. David Cobbins of Milwaukee.
“It really means a lot to all the soldiers,” and it also helps the families who are left behind, said Sgt. Belinda Avila of Lake Geneva. Avila’s brother, Efrain Avila, is also headed to Iraq with Alpha Company.
The unit’s members were as young as Spc. Ashley Mullis, 21, of Whitewater, who said she is excited to finally get going.
And they were old enough to have gray hair, including Spc. Richard Sturms of Oconomowoc.
“This shows us that the American people and the people of Wisconsin are behind us, Sturm said. “And I’m looking forward to getting home when it’s all done.”
The dinner was for the troops and families, but the public was invited to the ceremony in the auditorium. Most of those attending seemed to be attached to one of the soldiers in one way or another. Perhaps half the auditorium was filled.
Speakers poured out their thanks to the troops and the loved ones they are leaving behind.
The audience seemed especially touched by the words of Bruce Terland Sr., who wore his World War II uniform and told of fighting the Battle of the Bulge. While growing up in St. Paul, Terland said, he remembers a Civil War veteran coming to his school and singing “Marching Through Georgia.”
“And now I’m the old soldier,” he said.
Some selections from the speeches:
n “On behalf of the Janesville City Council, we are here to support you and your families as you enter your country’s call to service … we are very proud of the sacrifice and dedication of the members of Alpha Company.” —Eric Levitt, Janesville city manager.
n “Take some time out to make some special memories (with your families) before you leave. Let them know how grateful you are for all they’ve done for you, and never let them forget why you serve.” —Capt. Chad Simandl, company commander.
n “Wisconsin is sending its best. It’s an honor to be standing before you here this evening.” —Rep Steve Nass, R-La Grange, a 33-year member of the Wisconsin Air National Guard.
n “Just know that you’re in my heart and prayers, and I wish for a safe return.”—event organizer Tina Russell.
n “I look forward to a great celebration when you come home. So thanks very much, and Godspeed.” —Rep. Mike Sheridan, D-Janesville.
Feb 15, 2009 at 7:18 p.m.
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My son is a Janesville guard member and our family was there for the send off at Craig High School.To stand next to my son and hear him vow his oath to our flag that night will be in my heart forever. I am so very proud of him and all the guard members.I pray for their safe return.
Feb 8, 2009 at 10:37 a.m.
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To all the brave soldiers, Stay safe, be strong, your family and friends will miss you and love you. go with god speed and return to us.
Feb 7, 2009 at 5:53 p.m.
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curtain...., your help is greatly appreciated.
Militarily we cannot lose the war in Iraq and Afghanistan. The enemy cannot win the war in those places militarily. The only way we can lose is if the enemy succeeds in eroding the will of the American people. The enemy is depending on that erosion. That's why the war continues.
Feb 7, 2009 at 4:57 p.m.
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We all appreciate they took the oath. No one said we did not. However gazette fan's attitude of if you don't support the war, you don't support the troops is stupid. We fully support and our troops and have volunteered at several functions in the last five years in support of them, not including what we have done on our own.
Feb 7, 2009 at 4:49 p.m.
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Thank you to those who put on what sounds like a great dinner/ceremony. Please be safe, troops. You are in my prayers.
Feb 7, 2009 at 4:29 p.m.
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latin, snazzy, and curtain, the class that you cry-out for is totally lacking in your posts. None of the people in the story expressed the sentiment that you three expressed here. You can learn some class from them.
They joined and they took an oath. I don't care who you are, you are in no position to deny them their dignity.
Feb 7, 2009 at 1:43 p.m.
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seriously this article was saying farwell to people who have the courage to stand up and fight for our country and you gazettefan found a way to start a fight "war" on this forum. i support our troops, i don't believe in the war though and wish there was no reason to have a farwell dinner for them. anyone who can make a fight out of this article is pathetic.
Feb 7, 2009 at 1:33 p.m.
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Very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very, very IGNORANT gazette fan.
Feb 7, 2009 at 12:46 p.m.
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gazette fan could not be more wrong. How ignorant to say if you don't support the war you don't support the troops. That is just sounds like you are talking out of your xxxx. We strongly support our troops but 98% of them given the choice would not go. They did not ask to go. But just because they did not ask to go does not mean we will not help their familys send card packages and pray for them.
You sound very xxxx.
Feb 7, 2009 at 11:19 a.m.
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Outstanding - They will take these memories and talk about them for many months ahead. Keep the support up during the deployment, their training and honor will keep them safe
Feb 7, 2009 at 10:44 a.m.
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It's rather bizarre that someone has to be subject to a political litmus test as to whether they support the troops in the correct way, with the correct words. This is divisive and detrimental. The troops are in our hearts and prayers regardless of political affiliation and the sooner they are home the better. Let's all hope that this is the last tour they are required to do.
Feb 7, 2009 at 10:01 a.m.
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The people who don't support our troops and the war effort are proof that there's more than one way to be a victim of terrorism.
As for: "support the troops but not the war", the troops are all volunteers, if someone doesn't support the war they do not support the troops.
Feb 7, 2009 at 10 a.m.
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My best friend (1SG Petrick)is heading over with that unit. I will be here for his family for anything they may need.
Feb 7, 2009 at 9:47 a.m.
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I will keep the troops and their families in my prayers. May God protect them and keep them safe.
Feb 7, 2009 at 9:35 a.m.
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thank you for all you do.
Feb 7, 2009 at 9:13 a.m.
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Let's show the troops that Janesville really cares and send them weekly care packages. Also I would suggest that if any of the spouses need help or anything that we should step up and help. God Bless.
Feb 7, 2009 at 8:03 a.m.
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Every morning I go to the YMCA to work out. Yes parking has become a issue but I can live with that. These young adults are taking boot camp at the Y. I see them run up and down 3 flights of stairs, working the thread mills, weight room and even playing some basketball just to get back in shape before they leave for Texas. They are leaving the 21st of this month. If you are a Y member thank them for taking your place in this war. They are human just like you and I and appreciate those kind words.
Feb 7, 2009 at 7:36 a.m.
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What a Great Night!!!! Janesville really came together and supported these soldiers. I was so proud to be there. My grandson is among them and even though its hard on the families that they are leaving, these soldiers are so proud to be serving their country. Please don't forget them while they are gone, they need all the support from their families, friends, and community. STAY SAFE -Pray for all the soldiers while they are gone.
Feb 7, 2009 at 5:52 a.m.
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Some comments were made that the support for our troops has waned. I for one, along with most others, I have always supported our men and women of the armed sevrices. I have not supported the former administration for the way this war was brought before the people of the USA!
Please watch yourselves and everyone of our service men and women come home safe soon.
Feb 7, 2009 at 1:56 a.m.
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Lookout for each other and Godspeed. The Yoop, USMC 1988-1992
Feb 7, 2009 at 1:32 a.m.
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Stay safe.
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