Family, friends bid Army soldiers farewell
Ashley McDonald
Opinions Editor
Issue date: 2/11/08 Section: Campus News
Emotions ran high as friends an family members of the soldiers from the 304th Military Police Battalion gathered for the Farewell Ceremony held in Kean Hall on Sunday, Feb. 10.
Approximately 300 people filed into Kean Hall to support their loved ones that will be leaving to serve in Iraq later this
week.
"I'm trying to maintain composure," said former TSU student 1st Sgt. Norman Dashiell Jr. "Not knowing is probably the biggest thing, not only for myself but all
of my soldiers that are going through.
"But since I've been through it twice
before, I've got an idea of what to expect,"
Dashiell said.
Col. Patton Keith Pickens was the keynote speaker for the occasion. He offered words of encouragement to the soldiers and to the families.
"Today we send these soldiers out on a mission to liberate other people, a mission some doubt they can accomplish," Pickens said. "They may have some doubt in their own hearts and minds about the ability of the U.S. government and the military of this country to pick up this operation and succeed.
"It is critical that we accomplish this mission for the future benefit of the United States and the people who live here. I am confident that these soldiers will all do their duty," Pickens continued.
Donald Deering spoke on behalf of Congressman Jim Cooper who was ill during the ceremony. Mayor Karl Dean and former mayor, Bill Purcell also offered words of comfort.
Pickens and Dean realize the huge
sacrifices that the families are making as
they deal with their departing relatives.
Both men extended their services and
support to the families of the soldiers during the deployment.
Pickens has been deployed twice himself and has faith that these soldiers are prepared for the times that they are about to face.
"The Army Reserve is better organized now than it has ever been," said Pickens.
Second Lt. Brandon Chapman, a May 2005 TSU graduate, had mixed emotions during the ceremony.
Approximately 300 people filed into Kean Hall to support their loved ones that will be leaving to serve in Iraq later this
week.
"I'm trying to maintain composure," said former TSU student 1st Sgt. Norman Dashiell Jr. "Not knowing is probably the biggest thing, not only for myself but all
of my soldiers that are going through.
"But since I've been through it twice
before, I've got an idea of what to expect,"
Dashiell said.
Col. Patton Keith Pickens was the keynote speaker for the occasion. He offered words of encouragement to the soldiers and to the families.
"Today we send these soldiers out on a mission to liberate other people, a mission some doubt they can accomplish," Pickens said. "They may have some doubt in their own hearts and minds about the ability of the U.S. government and the military of this country to pick up this operation and succeed.
"It is critical that we accomplish this mission for the future benefit of the United States and the people who live here. I am confident that these soldiers will all do their duty," Pickens continued.
Donald Deering spoke on behalf of Congressman Jim Cooper who was ill during the ceremony. Mayor Karl Dean and former mayor, Bill Purcell also offered words of comfort.
Pickens and Dean realize the huge
sacrifices that the families are making as
they deal with their departing relatives.
Both men extended their services and
support to the families of the soldiers during the deployment.
Pickens has been deployed twice himself and has faith that these soldiers are prepared for the times that they are about to face.
"The Army Reserve is better organized now than it has ever been," said Pickens.
Second Lt. Brandon Chapman, a May 2005 TSU graduate, had mixed emotions during the ceremony.
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