A Look Back...Our Departure Ceremony

Story and Photos Courtesy BlueStarSalute.org

Alabama Army National Guard continues to answer the Nation’s call to arms. Soldiers from the 166th Engineer Company of Winfield and Vernon left for training enroute to Afghanistan. Friends and family gathered at the Winfield armory to say farewell to the brave men and women who were departing. Before the ceremony began, Ethan Frye, 19, of Florence, Ala., performed “Army of One,” a song he wrote for his brother, Pfc. Bobb y Frye, and the other soldiers of the 166th Engineer Company. It was Ethan’s way of showing how much he cares for his brother and a way to say “thank you” to the Soldiers. “I have only one simple message,” said Maj. Lee Thompson, Company Commander: “Thank you! Thank you to the soldiers, thank you to the families, and thank you for all your support.” Maj.Gen. Abner C. Blalock, Alabama Adjutant General, and Brig. Gen. Sheryl E. Gordon, Commander of the 62nd Troop Command, also spoke about sacrifice. Winfield Mayor Wayne Silas, Tuscaloosa Veteran’s Affairs representative Michael Culver, Blue Star Salute representative retired Lt. Col. Glenn Nivens, members of the local Red Cross chapter, and many others showed their support by handing out gifts bags, gold coins, yellow crosses, books, and Blue Star Salute Banners.