Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Welcome Home 39th

It is a day residents of Prescott and Nevada County will long remember.

This is because Wednesday, March 23, 2005, is the day members of the 39th Arkansas National Guard Brigade returned home from the Iraq War.

The area was more fortunate than most as none of the men from this outfit were killed in the war, and few were injured.

To show their appreciation to the men and women who served a number of events were held. Prescotts Lions Club kicked things off Tuesday, March 22, with a lunch for the soldiers. State Sen. Percy Malone fed the troops lunch Wednesday.

The soldiers marched from the Tom B. Lee Armory to the Prescott-Nevada County Library, where a detail removed the flag that had been put up and flying for a year. The flag was presented to Librarian Joyce Gibson and Jayne Randolph.

Capt. Neal Mayo thanked the group of more than 100 gathered, along with Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor for proclaiming the day in honor of the troops. He said the response the soldiers have received meant more than words could express.

From there the soldiers marched to the Nevada County Courthouse, where more than 200 had gathered.

Joe Graham, president of the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce welcomed them home and congratulating them on a job well done. The best part of it all, he said, is everyone who left came back safe and sound. Were thankful for that. We realize how fortunate we are in that regard. Other areas werent so lucky, and as we celebrate, lets remember them.

Graham recognized veterans from other wars, telling them their service was appreciated for what theyd done to allow this country to be safe and free.

Congressman Mike Ross (D-AR4) spoke, welcoming the soldiers back home, telling them theyve been missed. Were glad to have you back where you belong.

He told them how proud the people are of their service to the U.S. and the people of Iraq, and how what they did made it possible for the people of Iraq to do something too many Americans take for granted  vote in a free election.

Their efforts, he said, also helped rebuilt Iraqs infrastructure and gave the Iraqi people a taste of democracy, while defending freedom in Iraq and America.

Ross thanked the families of the soldiers for the sacrifices they made the last 12-18 months. The soldiers couldnt have done their job without the support they got at home.

As veterans before you, serving in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam and the Gulf War, you made us proud.

Ross called for the audience to remember the seven soldiers from the Fourth Congressional District who died in Iraq, and a soldier from the area who lost both legs.

Nevada County Judge James Roy Brown spoke briefly and emotionally, as his son was one of the returning Guardsmen. Eighteen months ago, he said, I gave my time to Jon Chadwell. I had a son there. I saw sleepless nights and worry, as did everyone who had family there. Im proud to have you back.

Graham took the podium again, telling Capt. Mayo the ribbon placed on the courthouse steps hadnt been taken down. A detail removed the yellow ribbon giving it to Mayo.

I cannot express the appreciation we feel to be here today, he said, for your support of these soldiers today and the last 18 months. Its been an honor to serve with them. This is the newest greatest generation.

Mayo said the soldiers were indebted to the people back home for their support. The 39th, he said, received so much support through local efforts, the soldiers couldnt use everything sent. The excess was shared with the Iraqi people.

Who would have thought, he said, we would be in a position to make an impact in a region of the world nine time zones away. These soldiers contributed to the safety, security and freedom of Iraq. They made 2,700 patrols, did 40 house search operations, refurbished 10 schools and hospitals, gave out soccer balls and candy and mentored the Iraqi security forces.

The troops, he said, established plans for 17 polling centers to allow the Iraqi people to vote in their first democratic election.

Im proud of the families back home, he said. Mothers placed thousands of meals on the tables, drove hundreds and thousands of miles to athletic and other events, mobilized Prescott contributions and donations and the care packages sent helped the entire battalion.

The community, during these last 18 months, with businesses, churches, schools and other organizations, came together to support us as well. The generosity ranks with the best Ive ever seen. When history books are written the names of soldiers from the 39th will not be forgotten. This region of Arkansas will be known for producing a President and a company of soldiers who gave thousands of Iraqi people their freedom.