Each soldier that was honored received a flag in a beautiful flag case with a plague and coin, a separate coin, and a certificate in a leather folder with the "I Am The Guard" printed on the inside. Each soldier also chose to represent several people that they felt went above and beyond supporting them while they were deployed. Those people, which mainly consisted of spouses and parents, received lapel pins or a medal and coin. (Stonewall chose to honor me and a business that became his employer after the deployment. During the deployment though, this business gave so much to Stonewall to help make his deployment easier.) The children of the honored soldiers received several items as well.
There were also several guest speakers who thanked the soldiers as well as the families, friends, and employers that supported the soldiers during their deployments.
All in all it was a very moving and outstanding event for the soldiers and their families. The Freedom Salute not only honors the troops, but those who supported them while they were serving overseas. I can understand why this particular event would help the recruiting and retention of the Guard. The Freedom Salute shows the soldiers and their families that their sacrifices are appreciated and do not go unnoticed.
2 comments:
I think that's pretty wonderful! I don't know of anything even close to that that goes on here when Airmen come home from combat. I can imagine it would make the entire family feel more a part of the "service" that's being done- and I bet it would help a whole bunch with retention. When you feel that you're appreciated you're much more willing to continue on. (and the soldiers entire family has to be on board for that to happen in most cases)
Mrs.~
The entire ceremony was really family oriented. I can see how this does help keep up retention because it really made the families feel as if they mattered.
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