By Michael R. Moser / mmoser@crossville-chronicle.com
The final remaining companies that make up the largest Tennessee National Guard combat unit in the state left the Crossville armory Sunday morning en route to Camp Shelby outside Hattiesburg, MS, for intensive training.
Citizen soldiers from Guard armories in Cookeville, Gallatin, Gordonsville, LaFayette joined guardsmen from Crossville to load buses headed for intensive training prior to deployment. The soldiers will get to break from their regimen on Dec. 22 but must provide their own transportation back home and must return to camp on Dec. 26.
The men and their families were provided a pancake and sausage breakfast by the Cumberland County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
"We were just thrilled with the turnout and with being able to provide this for the men and their families," Patricia Fields said. About a dozen Red Cross volunteers served the soldiers and their families. One of the services provided by Red Cross chapters is assistance to soldiers and their families while working with military authorities in times of emergencies.
Formation for the soldiers was scheduled for just after 7 a.m. but was delayed because buses delivering the soldiers to camp were running over an hour behind schedule.
This didn't dampen the spirits of over a thousand citizens who lined West Ave. and Main St., who stood in below-freezing temperatures waiting to send the troops off.
Flag wavers ranged from Korean and Vietnam war veterans to Boy Scouts, aunts, uncles, family friends and families of military veterans.
The three buses, loaded with over 100 troops, were led through town by Crossville Police, Cumberland County Sheriff's Department, Cumberland County Fire Department and a Vietnam veterans organization.
The Crossville Fire Department used its ladder truck to display a large American flag over the northbound lane as the procession made its way to I-40.
The largest crowd gathered in front of the courthouse and war memorial. Clumps of well-wishers dotted the four-lane and many workers were seen exiting their job sites.
For many of the local troop of the 278th ACR, this will be the second deployment. However, there are many young and new faces in the unit this time.
A similar sendoff was held for soldiers of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment at the Rockwood armory for guardsmen who left from there.
