Photo By Sgt. 1st Class David Bruce | The color guard presents the United States flag, the Indiana State flag and the colors...... read more read more
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By Spc. William E. Henry
Indiana Army National Guard
INDIANAPOLIS — A tribute for Indiana National Guard troops was held at Lucas Oil Stadium, Jan. 31.
Indiana National Guard Airmen and Soldiers who were deployed across the globe in support of the War on Terror during 2008 were honored at the Indiana National Guard's Welcome Home Celebration.
Thousands of loved ones, friends and citizens of Indiana paid tribute to the more than 4,500 troops that deployed from Guard units across the state.
"I love the whole idea. They deserve the recognition for what they've done," said Stephanie Simcox, wife of Spc. Stephen Simcox with the 76th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Company E, 113th Support Battalion. "He's a hero; they all are heroes."
To start the event, a parade of troops marched around the stadium bearing their guidons with unit identifiers.
"It was an awesome idea to recognize us and to know we're appreciated," said Air Force Staff Sgt. Mark Selby, 122nd Fighter Wing. "I'm very proud to have served our country, and it's great when people shake your hand and appreciate you when you come home."
Musical performances by Darrin Isaac, son of Sgt. Maj. Charles Isaac, Michael Peterson and the 38th Infantry Division Band were a few additional highlights throughout the celebration.
Speakers at the event included: the mayor of Linton, Ind., smallest town mayor affected by deployments; Tom Jones; Indiana Adjutant General Maj. Gen. R. Martin Umbarger; and Indiana's Gov. Mitch Daniels.
Jones spoke of how proud the communities were of their service members and their families' sacrifices and especially those who died while deployed. "We pay homage to those who have given the ultimate sacrifice," said Jones.
The adjutant general expressed that being a service member, Air or Army, is being a part of something bigger than you.
"We are most proud of the differences we are making in our state, nation and around the world," said Umbarger.
The final speaker, Daniels, spoke of changes troops may have faced upon returning to Indiana but added optimism about our livelihood as a whole.
"Like a friend once told me, 'You win the lottery the day you're born in the United States,' and that's true till this day."
| Date Taken: | 02.02.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 02.02.2009 03:22 |
| Story ID: | 29520 |
| Location: | INDIANAPOLIS, IN, US |
| Web Views: | 307 |
| Downloads: | 287 |
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