Editorials - 03/27/03

Community rallies behind 210th as troops leave WNC

We're not the only ones who noticed.

We received two letters this week from women whose husbands deployed March 18 with the 210th. Both expressed their appreciation for all the support offered them and their children as well as their gratitude to the community members and public officials who gathered at the Armory and lined the streets as the troops rolled out.

"I had prayed for extra strength and courage March 18, and that is exactly what I received. As I drove through town to wait and watch the bus go by, hoping to get one more glance at him, I was overwhelmed by the people of Jackson County that came to show their support. I have been encouraged and uplifted by so many people," writes Lavonda Woodring, whose husband, Kenneth, is a staff sergeant with the 210th.

"As I watch the news, I am disheartened by all the coverage of those protesting the war, and the lack of media coverage of acts and events supporting our troops. Then I drive through Sylva and see the yellow ribbons, signs for our troops, and messages at local businesses. As I watched through tears as my husband's bus took him away from us, I heard your cheers and saw your flags waving where you lined the streets to send them off. This lifts my heart and makes me proud to be a citizen of this county," writes Lee Lillard, whose husband is Sgt. Steve Lillard.

Both Steve Lillard and Kenneth Woodring work for Jackson County Sheriff Jimmy Ashe, and both wives praised Ashe for his support and commitment to safeguarding their husbands' jobs while the deputies are called to active duty.

Lavonda Woodring told of the kindness of her Scotts Creek School co-workers and thanked her church, Victory Baptist, and "the many, many other churches that are praying for the soldiers." Lee Lillard mentioned the kindness of her Greens Creek neighbors, Savannah Fire Department, Long Branch Baptist Church and the Jackson County Department of Public Health.

We'd like to add the newspaper's voice to those of Lee Lillard and Lavonda Woodring in thanking everyone who has supported the families and soldiers of the 210th.

Given the warmth and generosity of our county and region, we feel sure other spouses and families are also receiving support and encouragement. We offer the sentiments of Lavonda Woodring and Lee Lillard as testament to this county's long tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.

We applaud the elected officials who organized last week's send-off party, and we appreciate those who cheered and waved, and, thanks to Lavonda, we know the supportive throng achieved its goal and made a difference to the troops.

"When Kenneth called home to let me know they had arrived safely, he said that everyone on the bus was so happy and encouraged to see the people of Jackson County coming out late at night to support them. It really helped their morale."

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