By Frank DeLoache
Salisbury Post
The public has a chance Monday to send well-wishes with members of the U.S. Army Reserve’s 846th Transportation Company as they depart for another year-long deployment.
Army officials will only say the unit is going to southwest Asia region, but the medium truck company spent 17 months in 2003 and 2004 in Iraq.
The official departure ceremony begins at 1 p.m. Monday at the 846th’s Salisbury headquarters at 1835 Jake Alexander Blvd., near the Salisbury Mall.
Sgt. Yolanda Guevara, who will serve as rear detachment commander while the unit is deployed, said members of the public can park in the lot next to the headquarters.
An advance schedule for the ceremony calls for:
– 1 p.m.: Presentation of flags, with comments by the commander, first lieutenant and senior noncommissioned officers.
– 1:20 p.m.: Comments by Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz.
– 1:35 p.m.: Debra Volkmer and other representatives of the Hefner VA Medical Center will speak about services the Salisbury facility can provide.
– 1:55 p.m.: 15-minute break for cookies and punch.
– 2:10 p.m.: Salisbury Senior Gospel Choir, featuring members of several local churches, will perform.
– 2:35 p.m.: Retired Col. Meek will speak on behalf of U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole, R-N.C.
– 3 p.m.: Commander concludes ceremony.
– 3:10 p.m.: Food Lion officials distribute gift bags to soldiers.
Jennifer Welch, team leader of the 846th’s Family Readiness Group, helped organize Monday’s ceremony.
Welch has said previously that once the unit deploys overseas, she hopes to organize at least two ongoing programs to support the soldiers ó care packages and phone cards.
Any individual or local group, including schools, interested in supporting the soldiers through the Family Readiness Group should call Sgt. Guevara at 704-637-6167.
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Contact Frank DeLoache at 704-797-4245 or fdeloache@salisburypost.com.