Amid hundreds of hugs given Tuesday night, Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver told Sgt. Steve Lillard, "We admire your bravery," as he prepared for deployment with the N.C. National Guard's 210th Military Police Co. - Herald photo by Rose Hooper
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"We are already planning the celebration when you return," Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver told members of the N.C. National Guard's 210th Military Police Co. as they assembled Tuesday night, March 18, before boarding the bus "for an undisclosed military base."
The 210th's deployment came 24 hours after President Bush issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Iraq leader Saddam Hussein to surrender power and leave his country with his family. Family, friends and well-wishers hugged necks, kissed cheeks, shook hands, stuffed last-minute items in duffle bags, took pictures and wiped away tears at the Webster Armory as the 2nd Platoon prepared for departure. "When you are in law enforcement, you have to deal with the thugs," Sheriff Jimmy Ashe told the military police unit as they joined in formation. "I'll deal with the thugs in Jackson County; you deal with those in the rest of the world." Eric Lovedahl, who served in Operation Desert Storm 13 years again, gave his younger brother, Cpl. David Lovedahl, this advice" "When it gets dark, don't trust anybody." While most leave family members behind, Specialist E4 Robert "R.J." Cassle said he might see his brother, "Jeep," who is already serving in Kuwait.
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