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Wednesday, June 24, 2009 Somber send off for soldiersBelen People arrived early to the gazebo at the Heart of Belen Saturday morning. Armed with umbrellas and jackets against the cool drizzle, close to 50 people found a dry spot under the gazebo in preparation for Belen's first ever yellow ribbon ceremony nearly 90 minutes before the ceremony began. As the hour approached, the crowd swelled to over 200 people wanting to say goodbye to their family and friends in the New Mexico National Guard 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion (CSSB). American flags large and small fluttered in the breeze, and yellow ribbons adorned everything from suit jacket lapels to pony tails. The unit traveled to Camp Atterbury in Indiana earlier this week for further training before their final deployment to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. The 78 soldiers are expected to be overseas for at least 12 months. As the ceremony began, Cpt. Jason Peete noted that the battalion was following such glorious company as the "battling bastards of Bataan" into the service of their county. "The 515th will do its best to follow them," he said. "They do this for devotion to duty and patriotism. We won't let the families you leave behind be forgotten." Peete promised the solemn farewell ceremony would be short so that the men and women shipping out could spend time with family and loved ones. Adjunct General Kenny Montoya said that no matter where the 515th goes, they must perform "beyond the standard. You are the best." He continued, saying these men and women don't serve for the glory nor the medals, but for us. "They serve for America," the general said. When Governor Bill Richardson took the podium, he said as he was flying into Belen that day he realized the ceremony was not just a goodbye but also a thank you to those who serve. "New Mexico has a long heritage and tradition of service in wartime and peace," Richardson said. "And you have always answered the call with honor and dignity. "Your families are wanting you to come home safely, and that will happen. Thank you for carrying on the tradition of the New Mexico National Guard." Richardson also extended his thanks to the legislature and Senate Majority Leader Michael Sanchez for help in sponsoring legislation that aided the guard and veterans. The governor gave his thanks and respect to the 515th reminding them that they would be in the thoughts and prayers of many. "We will pray for each and every one of you, for your speedy and safe return," Richardson said. An emotional mayor of Belen, Ronnie Torres, expressed his deep gratitude for the service done by the 515th and their comrades in arms. "This is such a huge honor for Belen," he said with tears in his eyes. "I wish I could be a quarter the man any one of you are. We wish you health, safety and peace." Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth A. Nava said to the gathered crowd that the community's support meant a great deal to the 515th. "This is the finest group of soldiers I've had in my career," he said. "They will make our nation and our state proud." Command Sergeant Major Paul T. Martinez said unit leaders would do everything in their power to ensure the safe return of loved ones. "They will keep in mind their safety, and we will all make sure the families are informed on how they are doing," he said. As the ceremony concluded, members of the 515th tied yellow ribbons to the two trees at the gazebo. Those ribbons will remain there until the battalion returns home safely, as a remembrance of those serving in armed conflicts. The unit and crowd closed out the morning with the first verse of "The Army Song." "First to fight for the right, And to build the nation's might, and the Army goes rolling along. Proud of all we have done, fighting till the battle's won, and the Army goes rolling along. "Then its Hi! Hi! Hey! The Army's on its way. Count off the cadence loud and strong (Two! Three!), for where e'er we go, you will always know, that the Army goes rolling along."
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