For all you armchair generals out there who think you know something about war and pay lip service to the troops in support of your own political ideology (ahem, without actually doing anything to actually "support" the troops), elements of the Champaign guard unit (B Co 634th BSB) are returning with the rest of the Mattoon unit (A Co 634th) on Saturday.
There will be a welcome-home ceremony at the Mattoon Armory on the 6th. I don't have any hard times for you at this time, but I'm sure the N-G and other local media will be on top of it as time gets closer.
They've been in Iraq for the last year-plus, and they're currently stateside at an active duty post conducting DEMOB ops.
There's a good 20 soldiers (thats a conservative estimate) from the Champaign unit attached to A Co that will be returning to the Champaign unit upon repatriation, so this definately impacts the community.
If you have the time and inclination, I'm sure the Champaign troops would love to see a big showing from the community down there on Saturday to welcome them home.
Thanks for the heads up. I have the time and the inclination... hopefully others will too.
"For all you armchair generals out there who think you know something about war and pay lip service to the troops in support of your own political ideology (ahem, without actually doing anything to actually "support" the troops)..."
This wording might come off as a bit overly harsh to some if they take it the wrong way. I know there are a number of readers who are veterans and/or donate time and effort for various support efforts. Although I prefer the more civilian oriented term, "Armchair SecDef," I still try to do what I can with support efforts in spite knowing nothing of war..
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Glock21 Op/Ed
A Co will be coming home on Saturday and they will arrive at the Coles County Airport around 1800. They will be lead and followed in by the great Patriot Guard. We are having a ceremony at the JFL Football Field in Mattoon which is at the corner of Shelby and 6th.
article in today's News-Gazette
Good. I kind of accidentally pre-empted the news release, but only by a couple hours.
Lets quit with the political correctness, "Armchair SecDef". That's why this country is full of a bunch of weak backed woosies. Sometimes we need to be harsh to get through our polically correct thick skins. Everyone is so afraid to say what needs said. Toughen up!!
So Get out there, show up in Mattoon, and support the troops. I will be standing tall with them on Saturday.
To be fair, I think the "Armchair SecDef" title works fairly well on either side of the debate. People who aren't in favor of the War in Iraq aren't necessarily in favor of a strategy of appeasement, but we look at Israel and we're a bit nervous about the results of military occupation and a Whack-a-Mole approach to terrorism.
Malcom X called Martin Luther King, Jr. a weak backed wussy, too. That was before his Hajj. Just sayin'.
Kem