October 20, 2005

By: JEFF FARRELL
Staff Writer

PIGEON FORGE - The families of local reservists are asking residents to break out their flags and yellow ribbons to show their support as the 2/278th Armored Cavalry Regiment returns home.

The unit is tentatively scheduled to start flying to Camp Shelby, Miss., by the end of the month, said Randy Harris, director of the public affairs office of the Tennessee National Guard.

The schedule is still not firmly set for the unit, or the rest of the 278th, but they are expected to return in the coming days, he said.

"It's going to be a phased deployment over the course of a couple of weeks" Harris said.

After a chance to visit with family, they will spend several more days at the base before returning.

Krissann Woods, family readiness coordinator for the local unit, encouraged local residents to get ready to show their support for the men and women.

"Our guys have been gone a year now serving their country, so let's support them," Woods said.

After the reservists return home, they will have a couple days' leave to spend with their families, she said.

Most of the families are already arranging for trips to Mississippi, although that can be difficult as dates remain tentative and many hotels in the area are full due to relief efforts from the hurricanes that struck the Gulf Coast earlier this year.

"Finding a room has been impossible so we're having to book hotels an hour away," Woods said.

"Most families are going to try to be there."

Kim Reagan said she's already got her suitcase ready to visit her husband, Sgt. Michael Reagan, when he gets back.

"I've got my bags packed and ready to go," she said.

"I can't wait to see him and know there won't be any more goodbyes."

Her husband teaches social studies and coaches boys' basketball at Sevierville Middle School. It's been about four months since he visited on leave, she said.

"It's just the most wonderful feeling in the world," she said. "I'm just so happy and proud of him, most of all."

Woods said the Family Readiness Group is still working with local governments on a homecoming celebration for the soldiers, and hopes to make an announcement soon.

Because the date of their return has been rescheduled several times and remains tentative, they have no plans yet for an organized celebration upon the unit's immediate return, but she urged local residents and businesses to show their support with flags, yellow ribbons and other displays.

"They will be here in a couple of weeks so let's get out the red, white and blue and the yellow ribbons," she said.

* jfarrell@themountainpress.com

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