Dear Editor,
I strongly believe that Union County is a wonderful place to live, from Richwood in the north to Plain City in the south, and everywhere in between. One example of Union County’s greatness is its “collective sense of patriotism,” as repeatedly shown by our citizens, veteran organizations, elected officials and government entities, as evidenced by their strong support of our military service members, local military units, veterans and their respective families.
This sense of patriotism was again displayed as organizations and individuals came together to support the soldiers and families of C Battery, 1-134 Field Artillery, Ohio Army National Guard upon hearing of “Charlie Battery’s” pending overseas deployment.
Numerous groups pulled together to provided a wonderful “Family Fun Day and Picnic” for the soldiers and their family members on Sept. 16. Of special note was the wonderful meal prepared and served by the dedicated members of VFW Post 3320 and its ladies auxiliary.
This community support was again clearly evident on the evening of Sept. 21 as the entire 1-134th Artillery Battalion assembled within Marysville High School for its “Call to Duty” ceremony/activation. As soldiers and family members arrived from distant corners of the state, they immediately witnessed and felt the sincerity of the local support for their loved ones.
On the morning of Sept. 26, at the Marysville Armory, amid the tears and cheers of loved ones, 69 soldiers of Charlie Battery solemnly boarded buses for the start of their long journey to, and eventual duty, in Syria. Local support was again not only seen, but also deeply felt as the buses passed under a large flag held high by the Marysville Fire Department.
This support was also seen and felt with the escort of numerous law enforcement vehicles from Marysville to the airport and with many local citizens bracing against a cold breeze along the route waving flags and shouting words of good luck and God speed.
I trust that we will continue to support these soldiers’ personal needs as they serve in “harm’s way” on a foreign battlefield. I also believe that a year from now the citizens of Union County will welcome home our soldiers in grand style.
Kenneth L. Bonnell
Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (retired)
Union County Veterans Service Commission member and Chairman of the Union County Military Family Support Group.