City salues soldiers: Family Day held at Civic Center

By AMY SATTERWHITE / Staff Reporter for the Southern Standard

Mayor Royce Davenport, a Vietnam veteran, speaks freely with soldiers about being called to duty as they gathered around. The mayor said the city would like to host a parade or a party when the unit returns. (Amy Satterwhite photo)

McMinnville officials wished soldiers and their families well and hoped for their safe return during family day activities sponsored by the city June 11.

Members of I Troop 3/278th Armored Cavalry Regiment and their families enjoyed a day at Jungle Jym and a flag-decorated Gilley Pool free of admission in honor and in anticipation of their deployment after the unit was activated for the first time since the Korean War.

Soldiers were expected to train at Camp Shelby, Miss. after leaving Thursday, with several reports noting the unit is eventually headed to Iraq. The unit may be activated for up to two years.

Mayor Royce Davenport made brief comments and issued a proclamation declaring June 11 a special day in the unit’s honor. It was presented to unit commander Capt. Jim Reed.

The mayor also held a less informal meeting with soldiers later where he indicated the city would like to hold a welcome home party and possibly, a parade, when the unit returns from its mission.

Members of the unit, through their commanders and individually, indicated they are ready to serve.

“It’s just overwhelming the support we’ve had,” Reed said.

“I know most of the soldiers have been working fast and furiously long days this week to get into the groove and this shows us what the city and county have done for us,” he said of the county’s meal for soldiers June 10 and the city’s family day at the Civic Center grounds June 11.

Many other entities and businesses erected signs and offered additional showings of support for the unit. Soldiers were escorted out of the county by police officers and others Thursday.