Area residents lined the streets through Brownwood and Early to say farewell and offer support as the 111th Engineer Battalion of the Texas Army National Guard departed from the Camp Bowie Training Facility on Tuesday. Residents waved flags, held signs of encouragement and hung yellow ribbons to show their support.
The troops were escorted through town by Brownwood Police and the Patriot Guard in a convoy consisting of two Hummers, a moving truck and two chartered buses. This was just the beginning of their long trek to Afghanistan for a tour of duty that will last at least a year.
The Military and Family Support Group will continue their support effort as they work with Brownwood ISD to deliver Hero Packs to the kids of the deployed which will be delivered.
Brownwood ISD will be offering an informative presentation for school personnel, parents and community members to support the deployment. The event will be held in the conference room of the BISD Administration Office at 2700 Southside Drive on April 15, from 10 am to 12 noon.
Pam Mingle from the Texas Joint Family Support Assistance Program (JFSAP) will present on all support services available to families before, during and after deployment.
Residents wave to the busload of troops from the 111th Engineer Battalion.
City officials participate by lining the streets Tuesday. From left to right are Brownwood City Manager Bobby Rountree, Police Chief Mike Corley, City Councilman Carl McMillian, Mayor Stephen Haynes, City Councilman H.D. Jones, City Councilman Jerry DeHay, Assistant Police Chief James Fuller, and City Councilman Eddie Watson.
The Patriot Guard escort the troops.
Kohler employees show their support. Photo courtesy Angie Fields.
1st graders at Early Elementary talk to CSM Ray Jacobson after the convoy passes. Photo courtesy Ginny Taylor.
