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Hoosier
citizens help Hoosier Soldiers
Story and photos by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry
Posted: 22 May, 2008
Evansville
was hit hard during the Indiana
floods in March. As part of the relief effort, the Indiana National
Guard activated Soldiers for Operation Raging Waters. One family
chose to help those Soldiers.
"It was our way of saying
thank you," said Brian Rice, a landscaper and father of five
children.
At the Evansville
armory, Soldiers filled sand bags so area citizens could use them to
protect their homes. The Rice family gathered their own sandbags and
came back for more - more work to help the Soldiers and the
community.
"They worked hard, and
they were an incentive for the rest of us to work hard," said Staff
Sgt. Billy Daniels, a 384th Military Police Company medic. Daniels
was one of nearly a dozen Soldiers who worked at the armory during
the operation.
According to the Soldiers
who worked with the Rices, the seven-member family put in about 18
hours of service each.
"They (the children)
stepped up just as well as I did," said Brian. "We got to do
something as a way to repay them (the Soldiers) for all they've done
for us," he said.
The Soldiers were proud of
the Rice family for their sense of dedication.
"It not only showed a
sense of patriotism; it also shows they care for their fellow man,"
said Spc. Mark James, a 384th Military Police Company Soldier. James
also worked with the Rice family during the floods. "They make us
feel good as Soldiers and citizens of the U.S."
For their efforts, the
Rice family received certificates of appreciation from Brig. Gen.
David Harris during a ceremony Saturday, May 3, at the Evansville
armory. Harris is the commanding general of 81st Troop Command,
which is the higher headquarters of the 384th. The family members
also received National Guard goodies such as basketballs, t-shirts,
backpacks, calendars, and other items from recruiters as a show of
appreciation.
"It's an honor to come
down here today to say thank you for what you've done," said Harris
during the ceremony. "You're an inspiration to us and others."
The ceremony brought out
many profound emotions in Brian, whose grandfather, an Air Force
veteran, taught him to honor the U.S.
military.
"I just want to say thank
you to these guys (his family), and I hope they'll become like these
guys (Soldiers)," said Brian during the ceremony as tears ran down
his face.
That might just happen as
Abby, 14, plans to join the military and become a nurse. She also
realizes the commitment Soldiers make.
"We just took a couple
hours out of our day to help," she said. "It's a fraction of what
Soldiers do."
While filling sand bags is
labor intensive, the Rice's enjoyed their time with the Soldiers.
"It was a day of fun for us," said Brian. "To be around guys like
these (Soldiers), it was awesome."
Fun or hard work, its
Hoosiers helping Hoosiers.
Caption, thumbnail, home page: Indiana
Army National Guard Brig. Gen. David Harris, center, 81st Troop
Command commander, poses with Rebekah, left, and Brian Rice as they
hold their certificates of appreciation Saturday, May 3, 2008. The
Rice family helped Guard Soldiers fill sandbags during Operation
Raging Waters in March. Photo by Staff Sgt. Jeff Lowry, Indiana
National Guard
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