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July 27, 2010

Editorial: Welcome home Bravo Battery

The Port Arthur News

PORT ARTHUR — Southeast Texans turned out Friday to welcome home the members of the Bravo Battery 1st Battalion Texas Army National Guard who had served in Iraq since last October. The soldiers deserved every smile, pat on the back, handshake and other expressions of appreciation they received — and more.

The soldiers, about 150 men and women from all across Southeast Texas, worked as a security force in Iraq’s Al Anbar Province, a nightmare of a place in the desert of western Iraq. They were part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, which has helped stabilize the country after years of sectarian violence that followed the 2003 invasion.

The war was not the important thing on Friday. Those assembled to welcome home the troops no doubt had different feelings about the invasion of Iraq. But they were united in their support for the men and women — the sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters — who were returning home after honorably serving their country.

Some, like Robert Scott, were away for important milestones in the life of their family. He held his new son Nathan for the first time Friday at the Port Arthur Civic Center. First words, the first lost tooth, piano recitals, birthdays, loss of a parent, they all sacrificed important things in their lives to serve their country, to serve us. They were willing to sacrifice themselves, if need be, to protect our freedom.

They deserve all the applause they received Friday, and so much more. They deserve the health care benefits for veterans to be fully funded. They deserve for their mental health to be a priority for the government they served. But for now, we imagine the great majority of them will put the hugs and kisses of their loved ones at the top of their list of priorities.

Welcome home, Bravo Battery. Well done.

 

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The Central Middle School Band capped off a successful year by competing in the Solo and Ensemble Contest on May 5th. Forty-eight students brought home 66 medals.  Band members who won honors are: Danny Abdullah, Syrina Akbari, Abigail Albright, Max Barclay, Joel Bardwell, Jordan Bardwell, Brandon Baumgardner, Anthony Bennett, James Brindza, Cullen Cessna, Vanessa Daigle, Collin Elliott ,Dyan Emerson, Cyle Hubbard, Colin Jackson, Jennifer Jones, Jordan Jones, Jase Keel, Jessica Koons, Marissa Licatino, Todd Luke, Kade McCorvy, Jordan Mitchell, Kelby Myers, Mason Ouzts, Sara Pierce, Kayla Prestridge, Daniela Rodriguez, Noah Ross, Shae Sanders, Chandler Smith, Brian Speight, Erin Stilley, Arriana Torres and Tommy Truong Central's Band Directors are Joe Vargas and Michelle Melancon. On May 15th, the Band will hold its final performances of the year. They will play in Central's auditorium at 9 AM. Later that evening, they will be part of the Nederland ISD Band Pageant at the Performing Arts Center.  

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