Route set for soldiers' welcome-home parade
To help
To volunteer with parade preparations or for more information, e-mail Lucy Anderson at anders04@sbcglobal.net or call (608) 314-1720.
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JANESVILLE — A route has been chosen for a parade to welcome home local soldiers returning from Iraq.
The date that the local Army National Guard unit will be bused from Fort McCoy to Janesville is not yet known, but organizer Lucy Anderson said her best guess is that it'll be Friday, Jan. 22, or Saturday, Jan. 23.
The date and time will be announced when those details become available.
Meanwhile, organizers know they have a route and a permit from the city, Anderson said.
Plans are for police and fire units to meet the soldiers' buses on Milton Avenue after they exit Interstate 90/39.
The parade will proceed down Milton Avenue to Milwaukee Street, to Main Street and then turn south on Main before arriving at the National Guard Armory, 11 S. Palmer Drive.
The Janesville- and Elkhorn-based Company A is one of the many elements of the 32nd Brigade Combat Team, which have been arriving at Volk Field in recent days.
The date of Company A's arrival on Wisconsin soil is not yet known, but if Anderson's guess is correct, it should be very soon.
The unit is expected to be at Fort McCoy several days before traveling to Janesville.
Organizers are hoping many people will turn out with signs or flags to welcome the troops.
Well-wishers are asked to line the parade route but not to go to the armory.
"The families are requesting that we stay away from that area because they're looking for some privacy," Anderson said.
Some families will see their loved ones when they arrive at Volk Field, but others may not be able to.
Anderson said the request also comes from the Company A commander, Capt. Chad Simandl.
"We want to respect their wishes. It's about them, it's not about us," Anderson said.
Organizers are contacting businesses along Milton Avenue, asking that they put welcoming messages on their marquees.
One assembly area for well-wishers is the Big Lots parking lot.
Plans also call for yellow ribbons on trees along the parade route. Anderson asked that homeowners leave the ribbons on the trees, and volunteers will collect them after the parade.
Anderson said the parade is just Phase 1 of the welcome home. A formal event is being planned for sometime in April.
Jan 21, 2010 at 6:38 p.m.
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bfoell: see today's paper. Be advised: All military events are subject to change. This requires a flexible schedule.
Jan 19, 2010 at 3:45 p.m.
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has the day been confirmed yet?
Jan 19, 2010 at 12:37 p.m.
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Welcome home to all Janesville soldiers who may or may not be in this unit. It's about time the community supports our military AND the families. We have had soldiers deploying over and over for years, but the community never really showed much interest until a huge deployment knocks on the door. A large majority never knew there was a local National Guard unit. I hope this community is not being superficial and continues to show support regardless the numbers who deploy. Also, the families deserve this just as much as the soldiers. Can't begin to understand what deployment does to the entire family. Thank you families for staying strong, keeping the faith and working as a team to ensure these soldiers have a home to return to. You truly are amazing!!!
Jan 18, 2010 at 6:51 a.m.
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I will be one of those cheering and waiting along the parade route. They deserve a welcome back as a true hero and a huge thank you for their service to our country. BUT - My heart has mixed feelings about the need to continue in Afghanistan. The loss of life continues to climb after eight years of fighting. Do we need to fight an all out fight or get out? I know why we are fighting the war, but I don't feel that military intervention will win this war.
Jan 17, 2010 at 8:33 p.m.
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Once Alpha Co returns to Fort McCoy, they will need to stay from 5-10 days. I will contact Commander Simandl tomorrow to firm up the date/time for their return to Janesville. I know everyone is excited to know so they can plan for the parade. I will use every media in my means to let as many of you know ASAP! Thank You so much for showing your support...it's amazing and so heart warming!
Lucy
Jan 17, 2010 at 12:23 p.m.
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This brought tears to my eyes...im very thankful for everyones support and i know my husband is the same...its been a very long year and im so thankful to have my husband back.
Jan 17, 2010 at 6:53 a.m.
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We are in the process of getting back to Wisconsin; many steps need to be completed along the way. We do one task then wait for the next one to start. No one minds the waiting; the light at the end of the tunnel is near. This is my third tour to Kuwait and Iraq; the city of Janesville supported us beyond the call of duty. I am proud to say I am a member of the Janesville guard unit.
The soldier's from A CO 132 BSB are a group of professionals that accomplished every mission and task that was asked of us in Iraq. You will see a lot of smiling faces soon.
A year seems to be a long time, but it went by quick, we arrived in Iraq took over the missions; about a month ago trained our replacements allowing us to come home.
Thanks for keeping us in your thoughts,
MSG Trelka
Jan 17, 2010 at 3:08 a.m.
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Can someone get the light on the flag at the armory fixed? So that the flag is lighted at night for these troops as well. It would be fitting.
Jan 16, 2010 at 11:20 p.m.
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And a very big Thank You to Lucy Anderson for all her hard work and planning for this homecoming.
Jan 16, 2010 at 5:22 p.m.
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Anxious to get them all home. So exciting. It's been a long year. God bless you all for our freedom!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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