Crossville Citizens Line Streets for 278th Deployment

Crossville citizens lined the streets leading to I-40 to support the 278th Armored Cavalry G-Troop deployment Sunday morning.

The 278th Armored Cavalry G-Troop started the movement on a planned deployment to Poland at 8:30 AM.

Tracy Thompson and her family stood along the street to show support for her brother.

“My brother Private Landon Rector is going to Poland for, we don’t know, maybe thirteen months. We are just out here for him and the other troops to wish them well. It is sad for us, as he has three kids,” Thompson said. “A one-year-old, a ten-year-old and an eleven-year-old. We are here to support him, but this is his dream. So that is what we are doing, supporting him.”

Thompson said this deployment puts her family in a difficult position.

Not everyone knew the troops personally but many still lined up from Elmore Road to Main Street to support the soldiers.

Caden Durbin shows off his special made tee-shirt.

Mary Davis said she wanted her family to be present even though she did not know any of the troops.

“Just to be a presence and show these people support and love and send our prayers to them and just to be here,” Davis said. “My dad was in the air force for twenty-two and a half years and my husband’s dad was retired military also. So we know the importance of just being out here and showing support.”

Wilma Bradley said she came to show the troops her appreciation.

“I want them to know how much we appreciate them and how much we love them,” Bradley said. “And how much they are going to be in our prayers.”

Various veteran organizations held signs on the side of the road, including American Legion Post 163 and VFW Post 5025.

Veteran Tony Zimmermann said he wants the troops to come home safely.

“And I want you to stay safe, enjoy the beer, and come home alive. So I’m a Vietnam vet,  Afghan War vet,” Zimmermann said. “So, I want you to come home safe with all parts attached and fully functional.”

Vietnam Veteran David Ormerod said he came because a lady at his church said no one came to send her husband off during his deployment.

“I feel for the boys that are going over there and I hope they come back safe but I realize what it is like to be free,” Ormerod said. “There are so many other places that you’re really not free to do what you want.”

Caden Durbin said his father will deploy later in December. The Durbin family stood to cheer on the troops that deployed Sunday.

“I’m proud of him,” Durbin said.