Members of 1221 Company celebrate Christmas 12/6/2009 11:36 PM
By BEN BAUGH Staff writer
GRANITEVILLE -- The holidays can be a joyous celebration but also a challenging time of the year, even more so for the men and women of our nation's military and their families.
The Christmas Holiday Family program at the South Carolina National Guard Armory on Sunday was one of a number of events during the year where the National Guard gives the soldiers' family members an opportunity to see whom their loved ones are working with every month and what the National Guard does, said Lt. Alan Wooten, South Carolina National Guard 1221 public affairs officer.
It was an opportunity for members of the 1221 Engineering Clearance Company, which is part of the 122nd Engineering Battalion of the South Carolina National Guard, to spend quality time with family members in an environment celebrating the holiday season, and the soldiers were able to enjoy a meal with their families and their fellow soldiers.
There are approximately 105 soldiers at the company's headquarters and about the same number of personnel at the company's detachment in Batesburg, said Wooten.
The late morning and afternoon event celebrated the holiday with a meal and door prizes.
The support network of soldiers' families can go a long way in providing strength during challenging times. The Family Readiness Group plays an important role in providing support to soldiers' family members throughout the year, said Wooten, who also recognized the V.F.W. and the Aiken County Veterans Council.
"This is ultimately one big family," said Wooten. "All of the families are equally important. It's critical for a soldier to have the support of his family, so he'll be able to perform his duties as efficiently as possible. An event like this places an emphasis on that we're here to help and take care of the soldiers. It's a good bonding opportunity for the families. We want to thank the community and local businesses for their support. They made an event like this possible through their contributions and donations."
Members of the 1221 Company will be deployed during the summer of 2010, said Sunny Brantley, Family Readiness Group.
"We're in the process of crocheting and knitting afghans, instant hug pillows and scarves, and we'll send those items to the soldiers," said Brantley. "We're accepting donations of yarn, money and volunteers who are willing to give of their time to help make these items."
The soldiers and their families embraced the opportunity to spend time with one another, knowing a period of separation is imminent. The bond of trust between the soldiers was palpable.
"I think it's important to know that you have people back home supporting you when you're about to be deployed in six months," said Chris Gregory, who enjoyed the event with family members and had served in the United States Marine Corps before joining the National Guard in 2005. "It goes a long way in helping your mental attitude."
For more information on how to help the Family Readiness Group, call 258-4133.
Contact Ben Baugh at bbaugh@aikenstandard.com.
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