We are now in the 10th year of our involvement in Afghanistan. Many things have changed in those 10 years, except for one: the patriotism and support our communities provide our Citizen-Soldiers.

This couldn’t be more evident in the heroes’ send off the 928th Area Support Medical Company was given in Montrose, Colo., Jan 3.

From the beginning, these Soldiers were in for something different.

Patriot Guard Riders and Legion Riders endured freezing temperatures to show their support, while Montrose police and the county sheriff, with lights flashing and sirens blaring, met the Soldier’s caravan at the city line and escorted them to Friendship Hall at the Montrose County Fairgrounds for the sendoff ceremony.

The Friendship Hall of the County Fairgrounds was filled to standing-room only with 700-800 people sending the Soldiers off in style. The event was most certainly a community event. The Montrose High School band played and while the school’s Junior ROTC Color Guard presented the colors. Blue Star Moms, the Salvation Army and the American Legion provided snacks and refreshments.

Members of the Montrose City Police, the County Sherriff and the Fire Department also attended.

Veterans of World War II and the Korean War spoke to the Soldiers and shared their experiences and understanding of what the Soldiers of the 928th were about to do.

In addition to the senior leadership, the official party was joined by Montrose Mayor Kathy Ellis, and County Commissioner Gary Ellis.

“Patriotism is alive and well in America,” Gary Ellis remarked in response to the high turnout during his emotional send off, getting chocked up more than once. He also asked the audience to pray daily that God will preserve the Soldiers and keep them safe.

Kathy Ellis, in her equally emotional remarks, discussed what had happened to the 50 signers of the Declaration of Independence, and how their lives were turned upside down, ruined or even lost by the British for signing that document. “They had security but they believed in liberty more,” said Kathy.

COARNG Commander Brig. Gen. Dana Capozzella, as a mother whose son is deploying with this unit, and also having commanded the unit, had no less an emotional response. “There is no greater honor than taking care of Soldiers on the battlefield saving lives. I pray you’re not very busy.”

After the ceremony, attendees wished the Witch Doctors, as they call themselves, goodbye.

“People from the town with no one in the unit came up and hugged me and shook my hand,” said a surprised Pfc. Michael DiFrank. “It made me feel good to feel that community support.”

“That’s a small town for you; they genuinely care,” remarked Sgt. Brice Glasscock. Both Glasscock and his family thought the ceremony was simply awesome, but he wasn’t surprised. “That’s a small-town mentality. They do everything they can to show their support.”

After their goodbyes, the Soldiers boarded buses headed for Fort Carson, Colo. A U.S. flag hanging from the extended ladder of a fire truck made a cordon for the caravan. From there on, the route was a parade. Hundreds of locals lined the streets waving American flags, cheering and thanking the Soldiers.

That convoy stopped in the middle of Main Street and the Soldiers filed off and formed up in the middle of the main intersection and the largest group of well wishers. A few moments later, four aircraft from Victor Flight flew right down Main Street, turned, and flew back.

“I figured we’re leaving the bus to say our final goodbyes to the town,” said DiFrank. “Then I saw the planes flying at us and a smile came over my face. It was a really awesome final touch.”

The unit is headed to Fort Lewis, Wash., where Soldiers will complete their pre-mobilization training before heading to Afghanistan.

The town is eagerly awaiting and planning their return.