The Iraqi war half a world away took on a more personal significance Wednesday morning as loved ones and well wishers gathered at the Welch Armory to pay tribute to 43 soldiers in Delta Company, Detachment 4, 230th, Support Battalion, who are being deployed overseas.
The soldiers traveled to Bluefield Thursday to join an entire battalion before leaving.
Fighting back tears, Welch Mayor Martha Moore said that such ceremonies tugged at her heart like nothing else. Thanking them for their service and sacrifice, Mayor Moore said, “To each of you, stay safe, stay in touch, and know that our hearts and prayers are with you until you return again safely to us.”
Representing American Legion Post 8 and the 40 & 8, Welch Veteran Charles Honaker reminded the National Guardsmen that soldiers form bonds that surpass even those of brothers. “Rest assured that you will do well,” Honaker said.
Drawing their attention to the many veterans in the audience, Honaker added, “Once a soldier, always a soldier.”
In his absence, Honaker read a letter from Assistant McDowell County Prosecutor and recent Army retiree Colonel Ed Kornish. In the letter, Kornish offered words of wisdom advising the soldier to practice their battle skills, to maintain their weapons daily, to stay in touch with their families and not to believe everything the news media says because it’s not always true.
In closing, Honaker advised, “Stick together and help each other, and we will help you when you get back.”
Speaking on behalf of the soldiers, Lt. Steven Moore noted that the local National Guard detachment had worked with local residents during the floods of 2001 and 2002 and had repeatedly seen the community pull together through adversity.
“We appreciate everything you’ve done. We thank you for your support in the past and thank you for your support in the future,” he said.
The Presentation of Colors, a musical salute by the Mt. View High School Band and a poem by a member of the Family Readiness Support Group was also a part of the ceremony. In closing, the Rev. Clay Phillips, First Baptist Church, Welch, asked for God’s divine protection over the soldiers.
Exiting in military precision, the soldiers broke formation and soon found the embraces of family and friends.
There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

DEPLOYED - These members of the Delta Company, Detachment 4, 230th, Support Battalion bow their heads in prayer as the Rev. Clay Phillips offered a prayer for their safe return during a special sendoff ceremony at the Welch Armory, December 3. The soldiers traveled to Bluefield, December 4, where they joined an entire battalion before traveling overseas. Delegate Clif Moore and Circuit Clerk Mike Brooks shook the hand of each of the soldiers as they broke formation following the ceremony. (Photo by Cathy Patton)

FROM ONE SOLDIER TO ANOTHER - Jesse McPeak, Welch, one of West Virginia’s most highly decorated Vietnam Veterans, is pictured with Sgt. Melissa Strouse, a Pennsylvania resident, who is being deployed with Delta Company, Detachment 4, from the Welch Armory. Following the December 3 Send Off Ceremony at the armory, McPeak presented Sgt. Strouse his special hat from Vietnam, in recognition of her contributions.
“I want you to wear it for luck and then to bring it back home to me,” McPeak said.
“I’m going to get a little Iraqi soil on it,” Sgt. Strouse responded, deeply touched by McPeak’s good luck gesture.
Strouse, a 20-year military veteran who works at Penn State, noted that this is her second deployment to Iraq.
“The first time, I went with the Reserves, and it was very interesting,” she said. “This time will also be challenging. It’s going to be hard work, but it will be OK.” (Photo by Cathy Patton)

FAMILIES SAY FAREWELL - PFC Auville, Iaeger, is pictured with his wife, Rachel and his son Christian and daughter Kelsey, following the December 3 sendoff ceremony at the Welch Armory. Though sad to leave his family, Auville answers the call to duty with guarded optimism.
“I am anxious and a little nervous,” he admitted, but when you serve, every day is different. You learn to take life as it comes.” (Photo by Cathy Patton)