I had the opportunity to attend my first departure ceremony at Fort Gordon recently. What a moving experience.

My co-worker will be serving with the 278th Military Police Company of the Georgia National Guard. (He re-enlisted at the age of 53 in part to help mentor the younger soldiers who are serving our country). The company will spend most of the next year in Iraq after some final training in New Jersey.

No matter how you feel about the war in Iraq or the global war on terrorism, I urge you to keep these American heroes and their families in your thoughts and prayers.

I also urge my fellow citizens in the CSRA to attend one of these departure ceremonies when you have the opportunity. It is a great way to encourage these fine men and women and their families who are sacrificing so much to ensure our safety and freedom.

Chuck Sabo

Martinez