Guardsmen praised in last ceremony

Local National Guard soldiers are honored with medallions and American flags during a Freedom Salute ceremony Sunday.

Called Freedom Salute, the ceremony took place Sunday at Warren County High School.

?It was a pretty emotional event for a lot of people,? said 1st Sgt. Willie Bowers, who served as MC. ?It brought finality to it all, from the time they spent training to the time they spent overseas.?

Jason Tomberlin received the highest honor bestowed to an I-Troop member, the Bronze Star. Six others earned Army Commendation Medals, including Warren County residents Thomas Porter, Johnny Ramos and David Lyle.

Charles Smith and Jeffrey Kelsey also earned commendation medals along with Asberry Hawn who was awarded one posthumously. Hawn?s widow, Angie, accepted the award on his behalf.

The honors were not for any single act of courage. Rather, the Army criteria for gaining such recognition includes ?personal sacrifice and extraordinary effort ??

In a rare move, the citizens of Warren County also received a 17-inch minuteman statue for being a positive influence when the troops left, while they were deployed, and when they returned. National Guard officials say the honor is usually given to an individual, not an entire community.

?The sendoff and the welcome home were really outstanding,? said Sgt. 1st Class Ronnie Argo.

All 135 members of I-Troop were recognized with a flag and wooden presentation case, a freedom medallion, and pins for their wives.

The 75-minute program will air tonight at 6 p.m. on WCPI 91.3 FM.