COLUMBIA, S.C. - Soldiers and airmen in the South Carolina National Guard received a special delivery this week of more than 500 holiday cards from citizens throughout the state and nation.
The heartfelt gesture was courtesy of volunteers from the Columbia area American Red Cross, who said the cards were an expression of gratitude to all who defend freedom, especially during the holiday season.
Virginia Parrish-Loy, an American Red Cross volunteer said, “We received more than 5,000 beautiful cards from children and adults who wanted to express their thanks to the military for all they do.” She added their goal was to distribute the cards to all of the branches of service, including the Army and Air National Guard.
The S.C. National Guard distributed the cards to service men and women at the McCrady Training Center, McEntire Joint National Guard base and various Guard armories in the state, where units train and assemble prior to deployments. In the last fiscal year, the S.C. National Guard deployed more 800 Guard members to Iraq and Afghanistan, and more that 13,000 since 9-11.
The cards, decorated with Christmas trees, Santas, American flags, snowmen and other symbols of the season, were deeply appreciated by all those who received the homemade greetings and notes of thanks.
Many of the cards went to 4-118th Infantry battalion soldiers, who are training for a future mobilization.
“Our soldiers will really appreciate these,” said Capt. Brandon Pitcher, the administrative officer for the battalion. “They always enjoy the drawings from the children, as many of our guys are ‘dads’ and they know how deployments affect the family.”
“Our Guard members deeply appreciate this thoughtful gesture and for the concern for the well-being of the military member on the front line,” said Maj. Gen. Robert E. Livingston, Jr., the adjutant general for South Carolina. “These cards will bring joy to those who have put themselves in harm’s way and remind those in uniform their sacrifices during the Christmas season are not forgotten.”