Printer-Friendly
Email this Story
Post a Comment (0)
National Guardsmen to return soon from Iraq
Leesburg Virginia Army National Guardsmen serving in Iraq since late August are due to return home in mid-April, completing duty several months early.Leesburg's Company -- 120 or so soldiers -- should arrive in the states at a training base in Mississippi around April 15-17.
The troops will then fly into Washington Dulles International Airport about April 22-24, according troops' family members.
In honor of their return visit, the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and Loudoun Cares have teamed up to raise funds for the troops' homecoming.
“We're getting a very good response,” said Chamber President Tony Howard, of the fundraising campaign that kicked off earlier this week. “We are soliciting restaurant gift certificates that will provide our Guardsmen a night out to share a meal and reconnect with their families.
“We are also soliciting contributions to purchase gift cards to offer their spouses or other close family members a special 'thank you' for the support and commitment they have made in the Guardsmen’s absence.”
Howard said spa gift certificates are an example of gift cards that would go to soldiers' wives.
Loudoun Cares founder Andy Johnston said, “People can have mixed feelings about the war in Iraq, but one thing on which we can all agree is that these Guardsman and their families laid it all on the line. This is a way that any Loudoun resident can say, ‘Thank you for your service and sacrifice.’”
Contributions can be sent to Loudoun Cares, c/o BB&T Bank at 101 Catoctin Circle, Leesburg, VA 20175. Gift certificates and any questions about this campaign may be directed to the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, 703-777-2176.
The Town of Leesburg, with the Chamber, is organizing a greeting for the troops, which calls on residents and businesses to wave flags and signs along the soldiers' route from Dulles Airport to the Leesburg Army National Guard Armory.
Virginia Army National Guard representatives would not confirm a date for the troops' return, citing security reasons.
Contact the reporter at hhobbs@timespapers.com
You must be logged in to post a comment.