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.

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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.

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