News Article

Newport’s 278th ARC to depart on Sunday

By: STEVE BLANCHETT
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
06-17-2004

NEWPORT—The Tennessee Army National Guard 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment Second Squadron Troop E will be deployed to Camp Shelby, Miss., on Sunday, June 20.

"The unit will be pulling out from the Armory at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday morning," said Family Readiness Group President Cyndi Seaman on Wednesday. "The convoy with the military vehicles will travel out the gravel road at the Armory to Highway 321, then move down the highway to the intersection of Highway 25/70 at Long John Silvers. The convoy will turn left and travel to Interstate 40 at Exit 432 where they will get on the interstate. The bus with the rest of the soldiers will leave at 9:30 a.m."

Seaman said the Family Readiness Group thinks it’s very important for the community to line the streets Sunday morning and show a tremendous amount of support for the troops who are going to protect America and the world from terrorism.

"I think the soldiers need to see the faces of the people who are donating items and supporting them through this deployment," said Seaman. "They will be so proud to see the streets full of people saying goodbye."

"We’ve seen the support of other communities in Tennessee on television and it has been overwhelming so we know in our hearts that Cocke Countians will show their support just like the others communities are doing for their soldiers," added Seaman.

Seaman said the Family Readiness Group is also requesting the support of the community on two other items this week before the troops are deployed.

"The Family Readiness Group has decided to have two-sign and banner making parties," said Seaman. "The first will be Friday, June 18 at noon at the Armory and the second will be Saturday, June 19 at 9 a.m. at the Armory."

Seaman said the public is welcome to attend the sign and banner making parties.

"Everyone in the community is strongly encouraged to participate so the unit will have another means of support when deployed," said Seaman. "It would be so very special to the troops to see thousands of names of the people who wish them well and support them on the signs and banners."

"The Family Readiness Group would like to ask that some of the people who wish to help with the signs and banners bring some supplies and be at the Armory on Friday and Saturday," said Seaman.

Seaman said the Family Readiness Group is still in need of donations and necessity items and will be throughout the deployment of the troops.

"This will be a very difficult time for all of the families and loved one of the soldiers who are being deployed as well as the soldiers themselves," said Seaman. "It will help them to know the community is behind them 100 percent. Thank you very much for all the support the community is showing and everyone of the families and soldiers involved greatly appreciate the donations that are being made and that will continue to be made throughout the deployment."

Seaman said the FRG is requesting non-perishable food items and necessity items including toothpaste, toothbrushes, baby wipes, toiletry items, lotion, suntan lotion, shampoo, rinseless shampoo, foot powder, crème for rashes, and especially shoe boxes with lids.

"The shoe boxes are very important because that’s the biggest size container we can send items to the soldiers in," said Seaman.

Other items needed include envelopes, paper, disposable cameras, videotapes, CDs, infant, children, and teenage supplies, and especially postage stamps.

Seaman said anyone who would like to donate funds or necessity items could call the Armory at (423) 623-1267 or herself at (423) 487-2469.

Donations may also be brought to Newport Ace Hardware at 237 East Broadway or phone the business at (423) 623-2161 for more information, as FRG Treasurer Brenda Southerland is employed by the hardware.

The Family Readiness Group officers are Seaman, Southerland, Vice-President Marlene Denton, and Secretary Varanda Rick.

The soldiers being deployed include: (all names were listed but were deleted for this source).

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