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Freedom Salute Campaign at Kingston Armory

Freedom Salute Campaign at Kingston Armory - Sunday, June 28, 2009 at 11:05PM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Sunday, Jun 28, 2009 @ 11:05pm EST
KINGSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY- It's considered one of the biggest Army National Guard's recognition events in history. It's the Freedom Salute Campaign and Eyewitness News stopped by the 109th Field Artillery Armory in Kingston to witness the special ceremony.

It's a time for handshakes, hugs and awards. More than 150-soldiers and their loved ones are on hand for this Freedom Salute Ceremony in Kingston. SSG Daniel Stella of the 109th Field Artillery said, "It's important to hold events like this so that the soldiers as well as the families know that we appreciate everything that they do."

The Army National Guard honors these soldiers who recently served overseas. Each was deployed to either Afghanistan, Iraq or Egypt within the last year. Brig. Gen. James Joseph said, "These great soldiers left their families, their friends and their employment so that we could enjoy the freedoms that we enjoy so much on a daily basis."

Joseph is Deputy Commanding General of the 28th Infantry Division. He wants everyone to know families, friends and employers deserve as much credit as do these Pennsylvania Patriots. "The family did without a spouse or a brother or sister so we appreciate not only the soldier but the families and the local community as well for their involvement," he said.

All ranks within the guard couldn't agree more. SFC Mark Gordon from West Chester said, "Our wives tend to be subject to it after the fact and they don't have much choice in it so it's good that they get recognized by the National Guard."

Gordon's wife Lori says the military's appreciation goes well beyond this special ceremony. "They offer lots of programs and things for the children and for the wives or any of the spouses who are gone," she said.

ItŐs well-deserved public recognition for sacrifice both at home and abroad.

The Army National Guard's Freedom Salute Campaign began 6-years ago. To date, more than 100,000 soldiers, family members and other individuals have been honored for supporting Operations Noble Eagle, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
 


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