Postage needed to send to soldiers

The packages filled with everything the soldiers need sit waiting to be mailed. The problem is, there is no money for postage to mail them.

Rickey Pope, supervisor of the Family Assistance Center of our local National Guard Unit 2/198 Armored Battalion is asking for the public’s help to not only donate items for the soldiers, but for financial help to mail those packages to the soldiers who have been deployed to Iraq.

“Project Package” is now up and running, according to Pope. He stated that after January 15, all of our soldiers will be in Kuwait, and by February 1, all 170 soldiers will be in the battle zone in Iraq.

“We have packages here at the center for the men who deployed as early as December. We just don’t have the money to mail them,” Pope said. He estimated that the average cost to mail the packages is about $15 per package.

Project Package is sending letters to ask local church congregations to help in the effort. They are also interested in placing containers in local businesses for customers who want to contribute. “I hope that businesses will allow us to do that,” Pope said. He added that he hopes to open a special account locally just for postage money.

Pope also said that any donation for the soldiers is greatly appreciated. “We will always accept any donations from anybody,” Pope said. He stated that that needed items include snacks, gum, toiletries, and reading materials. “Our goal is to send one package per month per soldier,” Pope said.

For more information call Pope at 562-6920 or E-mail him.

By: LaJuan Tallo, News Editor.

Soldiers deploying to Iraq to be honored at send-off ceremony

CAMP SHELBY, MISS—Approximately 10,000 Soldiers, family members, national, state, and local leaders will honor the 155th Brigade Combat Team (BCT) of the Mississippi Army National Guard in a special send-off ceremony. The team represents three states –Mississippi, Arkansas and Vermont. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 22, on the parade field here.

The Soldiers of the BCT have spent the last several months participating in rigorous training in preparation for deployment to Iraq.

Family members should contact their respective Unit Family Readiness Group for more information.

Hotel rooms in Hattiesburg will be scarce.
Reserve Hotel Rooms in Hattiesburg here!

Special visit

These soldiers from the 4th Platoon, Troop A, 98th Calvary based out of Louisville and Rolling Fork, Miss.,who are part of a personal security detachment for the 155th Armored Brigade had a special visit from Governor and Mrs. Haley Barbour. Serving on the security detachment are from left: Paul Ammerman of Jackson; Freddie Goss, Webb; Matt Arledge, Hernando; Lee Douglass, Bartlett, Tenn; James Martindale,Hernando; Gov. Barbour, Mrs. Barbour; Marty Holden, Senatobia; Harold Taylor, Cordova, Tenn.; Adjutant General Harold Cross; Gregory Anton, Horn Lake; and 1st. Lt. Ruben Ortero, Hernando. (Photo by Sgt. Maj. William R. Jones, Mississippi Army National Guard)

Special training at Camp Shelby

Alpha Troop, 98th Calvary, Hernando soldiers Spc. John Lane, left, of Olive Branch, and Sgt. Claude Miles, of Senatobia took part in special training exercises at Camp Shelby. The exercises simulate how soldiers will react during a maneuver through busy streets, and in a simulated village in a scenario with other soldiers acting as radical insurgents. Lane and Miles moving through the simulated village at the ready for attack. (Photos courtesy Stephen Jones, Hattiesburg American)

Honing reflexes at Shelby

Hattiesburg American article contains information about local Senatobia soldier.

Troop update

The soldiers of A Company 2/198th Armor have continued to increase their combat readiness by completing a majority of the training requirements here at Camp Shelby.  The local National Guard Unit has excelled in numerous tactical training exercises such as:  Platoon MOUT (Military Operations in Urban Terrain), Tactical Maneuver, Conduct Platoon Attack, Conduct Link-up Operations, Knock out a Bunker, Break Contact, and Breach of an Obstacle.  The soldiers and senior NCOs of the unit have done a magnificent job of coordinating the logistical support of the lanes and conducting the necessary planning to ensure the unit was successful in every aspect of the training.  The Company received an AAR (After Action Review) after each training event which identified the unit's strengths and weaknesses and then received an overall rating from the lane evaluators.  The Company consistently exceeded the active duty standard for each of the lanes and has maintained 100% unit strength throughout the process. While 1SG Ronald Wilburn ensured that the Company completed all of its training requirements, the commander spent most of the month traveling and attending different Leadership Courses.  Although some of the training was very difficult both physically and mentally, the men of Alpha Company 2/198th Armor Combat Team met each challenge with a determination to be the best that the State of Mississippi has to offer. 

Each month the officers and senior NCO leadership of the company select a Soldier of the Month and an NCO of the Month based on the individual's technical and tactical knowledge and their contributions to the Team.  This month's Soldier of the Month is SPC James Caufield from 2nd Platoon.  SPC Caufield is from Water Valley, MS and has distinguished himself as one of the Company's Singar Radio experts.  The Company's NCO of the Month is SGT Danny Chambers, a Vehicle Commander from 3rd Platoon.  SGT Chambers was selected because of his leadership and hard work throughout the PLT Lanes Training, MOUT, and his supervisory skills while in Garrison.  Also pictured with SGT Chambers are his Platoon Leader, LT Edwards, and his Platoon Sergeant, SFC Jerry Clark.  The pictures shown here were taken by the Company's designated Combat Photographer, SPC Jeffrey Watkins. 

While the soldiers have been busy training at Camp Shelby, the families have been equally busy at home where they continue to support their loved ones by sending care packages and letters from home.  The Family Support Group has also been able to arrange for a Unit Web page.  Anyone wishing to access the Web site can find it at: www.oxfordmsarng.org  The web page has several links to other military sites which family members can use as well as a message board where soldiers and their families or members of the local community can post messages.

The soldiers of Alpha Company 2/198th Armor are nearing the completion of their training at Camp Shelby and will soon be moving to the next phase of their preparation by attending a three week long Field Training Exercise at the National Training Center.  During the three week Field Training Exercise, the unit will take part in several missions to evaluate their level of expertise and ability to react to different combat scenarios.  The men of Viper Company are prepared for the challenge and are ready to test their ability to plan and execute different battle drills in a stressful environment.  The members of the unit ask for your continued support and prayers for both the soldiers who are serving and their families left back at home. 

Until our next battle update, 
God Bless.  -  CPT Scott Caldwell. 

Full article, including photos

Supporting our troops

The Interact Club of Senatobia High School recently donated items for local Soldiers deploying to Iraq. Members of the local Family Support Group (FSG) received the items on behalf of their loved ones at Camp Shelby. Front row (l-r) Courtney Hale,FSG members Helen Williamson, Judy Brown and Tish Leatherwood, Mi’chel Jarjoura, and Abby Red. Back row, Gale Cushman, Interact sponsor, Chelsea Mabry, Amy Gibson, Craig Warren, and Angela Bean, Interact sponsor. (Photo by LaJuan Tallo)

Local football star serving his country

Local Warrior and Ranger football fans will remember him as an outstanding player at Senatobia High School, and at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

For many years, Tony Jackson was a household name among local football fans. These days, he is serving his country in the National Guard, and is on his way to Iraq.

The 24-year-old Jackson, a native of Senatobia, graduated from Senatobia High School and NWCC, and was attending Emporia State University in Kansas on an athletic scholarship, playing receiver for ESU when he was deployed. “I’d like to thank my coach for giving me the opportunity to play football while receiving an education,” Jackson says. “I’d like to apologize to my teammates because I feel like I have let them down, having to leave before the season is over.”
Jackson is majoring in business administration and minoring in health.

According to SFC Kevin Reeves, 155 BCT Public Affairs NCO, Jackson is a 92Y Supply Specialist and 11B Infantry member who has been in the guard for five and half years. Jackson has never been on active duty, except for Basic and Advanced Individual Training. After his tour in Iraq, he plans to return to school to finish his education, and hopes to stay in football for as long as possible. He would like to pursue coaching as another option.

To his family Jackson would like to say, “ I appreciate you being strong. It means a lot to have someone to be there to talk to. Mom, I love you and the Lord will make a way for us,” Jackson said. Jackson is the son of Claude and Mattie Jackson.
Jackson’s message the community: “To the people in Senatobia and Emporia, everybody who ever looked out for me. I appreciate you,” he said.

By LaJuan Tallo, News Editor

Cookies, cookies, everywhere

Last week the soldiers of Troop A, 98th Cavalry got a care package from home. Nearly 6,000 cookies of all varieties were shipped to Camp Shelby courtesy of their Family Support Group (FSG) and DeSoto County Schools. Pictured are (L to R) Lance Smith, Bill Cox, Spec. James Scott, SFC John Moyer of Senatobia, Dennis Scott, and 1Lt Gary Ford. (Photo submitted)

Casey's dream: letters from home

As the leader of his squadron, Casey knows what his men want. They want to hear from us!

Marine Sgt. William C. Brown of Como is currently serving his country in Al Anbar province in Iraq. Brown is the son of Bill and Leslie Brown of Como, and the husband of Deborah Bishop Brown, a nursing student at Northwest Mississippi Community College.

Brown attended Senatobia City Schools from kindergarten through tenth grade and graduated from North Delta School. He attended NWCC where he studied business before joining the Marine Corps in 1996.

Brown’s mother Leslie stated, “He is trying to get letters to his men because some of them never get letters. He wants to get some correspondence going with them. Perhaps Sunday School classes, or school kids can send letters and pictures to them.”

Casey’s call to action

A letter from Brown tells the story:

Suicide Charley or simply 1/2 is my call sign. Casey is what I’m called anywhere other than work. I am in Al Anbar providence Iraq. Last year, as you all know America and coalition forces over threw the tyranny that repressed this country for over three decades. Now our mission is to stabilize Iraq in order to allow the Iraqi people to establish an inter security system that can sustain a democratic government.

Suicide Charley maintained the peace in An Najaf last year by presenting a show of force which overwhelmed terrorist cells and denied any insertion of foreign fighters into the area. When we turned that area of operation over to the coalition forces in October, the buildup of anti-Iraqi forces began. This escalated into what you see on television today, which is not up to par with what the Marines left.

We arrived at our new area of operation where coalition forces were doing all they could do to defend themselves. Their methods of patrolling consisted of mechanized infantry in Bradleys and M1A1 Abrahams thundering through the local towns and absorbing blast from improvised explosive devices which lead to perfidious anti-coalition forces feeling comfortable on the streets because they could hear the tracked vehicles coming. They simply dropped their weapons, stood in place, smiled and waved at the passing patrols. That is not how we as Marines do business. Marines are equipped with the proper gear and psychological training that allows us to travel covertly through city streets under the cover of darkness and hunt down Iraqi’s that refuse to live in harmony with their fellow man. Stealth, superiority of fire power, and Esprit de Corps are our security from the shadow of evil that is seemingly endless here. My men prove daily that they are the ultimate peace keepers of the world. My company Gunny, Gunnery Sgt. Lefeur once said to us, “America does not need a Marine Corps, she wants one.” I repeat that quote as often as needed to keep their spirits soaring in order to allow them to face their fears day after day.

The Marine Corps is made up of a mixture of ethnic groups with a variety of questionable backgrounds. Some of them have no family. They receive no mail rejoicing their sacrifices to their country and ultimately America’s freedom.
What I am asking for, should you choose to accept, is that my men receive a thank you from my home, America. Should it be of the simplest form, they will be grateful. I lead my troops in a prayer before every mission. A couple from home would not hurt either. I am scared for them this time. It is not the same as last year. I can write weekly expressing my Marines’ thanks and paint a picture of their success if desired.

Semper Fi, The Marines

How to write:

Write to them rank, last name, first Initial at the following address:
1/7 C Co 1st Plt.,
Unit 41530,
FPO, AP 96426-1530

Members of Brown’s squad are:

Sgt. Brown, WC
Cpl. Littledave, LJ
L. Cpl. Cruz, C.
L. Cpl. Baker, R.
L. Cpl. Warren
L. Cpl. Walters, C.
Pfc. Mendhen, J.
L. Cpl Short, J.
L. Cpl Ramos, P.

By: LaJuan Tallo, News Editor

Photos from Camp Shelby

Captain Vinzant scans his sector of the room during urban training.


Sgt. Major Dubose (center) trains in the proper way to enter and clear a room.


155th soldiers prepare to clear a room.


SFC Roderick Huff trains in the proper way to enter and clear a room.

Photos of Senatobia troops courtesy of the 155th Sep. Armored Brigade Web site.

Local decorated

Captain Pat Nelson, of Senatobia, an Army Reserve Officer serving with the 45th Infantry Brigade in Afghanistan received the Bronze Star on August 23. He was pinned for Exceptionally Meritorious Service. While serving in Afghanistan, he is the Communications Trainer/Mentor to the Afghan National Army. Stateside,he is Help Desk Coordinator at Northwest Mississippi Community College. Nelson and his wife Leigh are the parents of Mabry,15, Pete, 13 and Ryan, 10. Nelson was set to return to the states in October, but his return has been delayed. He was deployed in March, 2003. (Photo submitted)

Community send-off

Volunteers Devon Lentz, a sixth grader at East Tate Elementary School, and Glenda Neal with the Tate County Economic Development Foundation help serve snacks at the Troop send-off on August 7 at the Nat Troutt Readiness Center. About 600 people came to wish the troops well on their journey to Iraq. Senatobia Mayor Alan Callicott, Dan Smith, president of the Tate County Economic Development Foundation and Capt. Robert J. McClendon, rear officer in charge of the HQ/ 2nd Battalion,198th Armor spoke at the reception. About 170 troops from the area have been deployed to Iraq. (Photo by Angie Barmer)

Click here to view more photos from the reception.

Contact us with comments about this post.

Bags for the soldiers

The community overwhelmingly responded to the call for donations to fill goodie bags for soldiers being deployed to Iraq. Left, nine-year-old Alison Hardison, daughter of Pat Hardison and Rebecca Atkinson stuffs bags for the soldiers.




Volunteers assist Tate County Economic Development Development Foundation Project Coordinator Glenda Neal, second from left. Linda Utley, Hardison and SFD firefighter Veo Moore fill bags. Firefighters Jim Taylor and Clarence Tapley not pictured. (Photos by Angie Barmer)

Newlyweds say goodbyes

Lauren and Michael Fletcher

By: Jay Lee, Editor

When high school sweethearts Michael and Lauren Fletcher married on May 13 this year, Iraq was the farthest thing on their minds. The newlyweds enjoyed only a little over two months of marriage when Michael found out that he would be mobilized and eventually be deployed to Iraq. He left last Wednesday not knowing when he would see his new bride next.

Michael, a specialist in the National Guard, was recently transferred from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 198th AR, Sardis, to the 2nd Battalion, 198th AR, Oxford. He grew up in Senatobia, the nephew of Kristy and Johnny Rowland. He has a twin sister, Misty, and a baby sister, Amber. Lauren is the daughter of of Loretta and Tim Harrell of Senatobia. She has one sister, Judith.
Michael found out about his mobilization orders on July 17 during National Guard summer camp and received his active duty papers on July 25th. The UPS employee was surprised the process happened so quickly, however he admits he knew it was coming. “I was surprised I only had a week to prepare,” Michael said.

“I went through a state of shock,” Lauren commented. “We are busy trying to get everything together.”

“It is terrible to have to leave your new wife,” remarked Michael.

Support from the community, especially their church is very important according to the Fletchers. “We want to thank the Hernando First Assembly of God for being so supportive and to all local churches,” said Lauren.

When asked what the hardest part of all of this is, Michael said, “The unknown...not knowing what to expect.” For Lauren, being away from Michael will be the hardest part. “I am glad we’ll be able to communicate through the mail, E-mail, and telephone,” Lauren said.

Contact us with comments about this post.

Photos from troop send-off

Click here to view or purchase photos from the Wednesday morning, July 28 send-off.

Public encouraged to line city streets for troop send-off July 28

The first set of soldiers will leave Senatobia on July 28 and the pubic is encouraged to line the streets during their departure. The soldiers are scheduled to depart the Nat Troutt Readiness Center on Scott Street at 8 a.m. on July 28 and use the following route:

• Scott Street north to Gilmore Street
  
• Turn west onto Gilmore Street proceeding to Heard Street
  
• Turn north onto Heard Street proceeding to East Main Street
  
• Turn east onto East Main Street proceeding to I-55

Event coordinators ask that citizens line up along the entire route except for Scott Street. Spectators are asked to line up on the route all the way up to I-55. Organizers urge spectators to bring signs, flags and any other items to show support for the soldiers.

According to TCEDF Executive Director Janie Mortimer this will be the public's only opportunity to see the troops off. The other troop departures will not be made public, according to Mortimer.

For additional information on the send-off event, contact the TCEDF at 562-8715.

Contact us with comments about this post.

Items needed for soldier 'goodie bags'

Community leaders want to make sure that local soldiers have the support of the community as they begin mobilization to prepare to be deployed to Iraq.

The Tate County Economic Development Foundation is organizing an effort to fill 170 goodie bags to be distributed to mobilized soldiers from Tate County. The bags are to be given to soldiers during the August 7 farewell send-off party at the Nat Troutt Readiness Center. Following is a list of items that are needed for the bags, according to TCEDF Executive Director Janie Mortimer:

• Bug repellent
  
• Chap stick
  
• Liquid Hand sanitizer
  
• Kool-Aid (individual packets)
  
• Batteries (for electronic games, CD players, etc.)
  
• Crossword puzzle books
  
• Sunblock
  
• Breath mints
  
• Paperback books
  
• Disposable cameras

Mortimer also indicates that they can use any number of DVD movies, used or new.

Time is of the essence, according to Mortimer. "We're trying to get all these donations and don't have much time." All items need to be collected by August 5.

Mortimer says that the TCEDF will also accept monetary contributions to help purchase any items that don't get donated. Checks can be made payable to the Tate County Economic Development Foundation.

Items or donations should be dropped of at the TCEDF office located at 135 North Front Street in Senatobia. For additional information, contact the TCEDF at 562-8715.

Contact us with comments about this post.

How you can support our troops

There are several ways to support our local troops. Here are just a few:

• The TCEDF is asking for items to fill goodie bags for the troops. Items needed include
  
  
  • Bug repellent
    
  • Chap stick
    
  • Liquid Hand sanitizer
    
  • Kool-Aid (individual packets)
    
  • Batteries (for electronic games, CD players, etc.)
    
  • Crossword puzzle books
    
  • Sunblock
    
  • Breath mints
    
  • Paperback books
    
  • Disposable cameras
  
  Items can be dropped off at the TCEDF office located at 135 North Front Street in Senatobia. For additional information, call 562-8715. The TCEDF will also accpet monetary donations for troop support. Checks can be made out to the Tate County Economic Development Foundation.
  
  
• The public is invited to attend a reception honoring the soldiers on Saturday, August 7 from 1-3 p.m. at the Nat Troutt Readiness Center on Scott Street. The event is hosted by the Tate County Economic Development Foundation.
  
  
• Magnetic patriotic ribbons for vehicles are available locally with all proceeds going to support local troops and their families. Several designs are available and can be purchased at Rapid Cash, located at 109 South Front Street in Senatobia. For more information, call Mackie Dettor at 662-934-1298.
  
  
• Leadership Mississippi is asking for donations to purchase pre-paid telephone cards so that Mississippi National Guard and Army reserve soldiers serving in Kuwait and Iraq can talk to their loved ones back home. The program, called Leadership Mississippi Troop Support, has raised more than $41,000 since October of last year to purchase the cards. They have already purchased and distributed 5,747 cards as of now.
  
  
• Leadership Mississippi now has a new objective -- to raise approximately $3,000 to purchase an additional 1,000 cards that will allow Mississippians overseas to place an international call. They are attempting to raise the funds before July 27. Donations can be made to: Leadership Mississippi Troop Support, M.B. Swayze Educational Foundation, P.O. Box 23276, Jackson, Miss. 39225-3276, or call 800-748-7626 or 601-969-0022. Donations are tax deductible.

Contact us with comments about this post.

Local National Guard units to be mobilized

JACKSON- The Mississippi National Guard's 155th Separate Armored Brigade (SAB), headquartered in tupelo, has received mobilization orders under a Presidential Partial Mobilization of Reserved Forces in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The armored brigade, which is authorized nearly 4,000 soldiers, will mobilize approximately 3,500 personnel at Camp Shelby, Miss. in mid to late August. While at Camp Shelby, the soldiers will in-process, conduct post-mobilization training, and subsequently deploy overseas to the U.S. Central command area of operations.

The 155th SAB is comprised of units in 49 locations throughout the state. Local units include Troop A, 98th Cavalry, Hernando; Detachment 1, Troop A, 98th Cavalry, Holly Springs; Headquarters (HQ), 2nd Battalion, 198th Armor (AR), Senatobia; Detachment 1 HQ, 2nd Battalion, 198th AR, Batesville; Company A, 2nd Battalion, 198th AR, Oxford; and Company C, 2nd Battalion, 198th AR, Sardis.

"These are highly trained soldiers, and I know that they will do an excellent job supporting our national defense," said Governor Haley Barbour, commander-in-chief of the Mississippi National Guard. "Marsha and I wish them well, and we certainly stand by all of them and their families."

Under partial mobilization, reservists can be activated for 24 months, however this authority in no way characterizes how long they will actually be mobilized.

Contact us with comments about this post.