The cold, wind and pre-dawn hour could not keep patriotic souls from lining the route, cheering and waving flags for the National Guardsmen deploying from Kosciusko Monday morning.
Just under 100 National Guardsmen deployed from the armories in Kosciusko and Winona early Monday morning, headed for Fort Bliss, Texas, for training before they head overseas. Their eventual destination is not being released publicly.
The Guardsmen appeared to be a mix of older soldiers heading out on repeat deployments and younger soldiers readying to serve in active duty for the first time.
Major David Austin, 37, of Kosciusko, is headed out for his second deployment, the first having been to Iraq. But this time is different, he said.
“I have mixed feelings. I’m excited and anxious and a little nervous. The first time, it was just me and my wife,” he said. “This will be my first time away from my kids. It will definitely be different this time; it’s going to take some adjustment.”
In the early morning darkness outside the armory, Todd Stephens and his extended family talked and laughed. This will be Stephens’ second deployment, having served previously on duty in Iraq. His wife, Veronica, and three sons, Trayden, 14, Quintin, 9, and Taten, 2, await his return about a year from now.
Two younger soldiers paced on the cement patio entrance to the armony, periodically checking their gear and chatting.
Roy Bell, 20, of Kosciusko, said he expected the situation had not really sunk in yet.
“It’s going to hit us when June rolls around,” he said, referring to the schedule for overseas deployment following training.
Noah Pugh, also 20, of Durant, said he is “excited” about his service.
His mother, Kelly Putnam, was a little less enthusiastic, but supportive of her son just the same.
“I’m nervous and scared, but I know he’ll come back safe,” she said. “This was his choice. He wants to serve his country and we back him 100%.”
Andre Hughes, 19, of Kosciusko, loaded his gear for his first deployment onto the sidewalk behind his car. Asked if he is nervous, he answered with a simple, “A little.”
The convoy to Jackson Medgar-Evers Airport was escorted out of Kosciusko by the the Kosciusko Police Department, the American Legion Riders Post #44 and the Patriot Guard Riders.
Along Veteran’s Memorial Drive, Roy Bell, Sr., father of guardsman Roy Bell, erected a huge flag above his pickup truck with the help of Dennis Bell and Jessica Bell, who helped him secure it from the heavy winds.
Three women, Barbara Rose, Theresa Henry and Annis Dickerson, at least two of whom sent their spouses off to serve in Vietnam at the height of that conflict, took turns ducking into their car to stay warm while awaiting the procession of the current crop of troops.
The buses were given law enforcement escort all the way to the airport.
