Guard unit appreciates sheriff • Detachment faces possible deployment


Thursday, October 16, 2008
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Guard unit appreciates sheriff
• Detachment faces possible deployment

By SUE WATSON
Staff Writer

Photo by Sue Watson

‘Big thank you’

From left are Sgt. James Hamblin, PFC Travis McGowan, Kenny Dickerson, SFC Ricky Fortner, SSG Anthony Chrestman, Sgt. Anthony Douglas. Chrestman has made two tours in Iraq. Fortner and Hamblin have made one tour.

Members of Detachment 1 Company A of the 2-198th CAB Regiment presented Sheriff Kenny Dickerson with a U.S. flag that flew over the U.S. Capitol and with a plaque and PT jacket.

The detachment, which has been placed on alert for a possible call-up next January, is undergoing training for possible deployment to Iraq.

Sgt. James Hamblin said Dickerson has been one of the Guard’s strongest supporters.

“Anytime we’ve ever asked for anything, they (the sheriff’s department) have helped,” he said.

The machine shop at the jail complex keeps the Guard’s lawnmowers and weed eaters going and the sheriff’s department helps with jobs at the National Guard Armory that the members do not have enough time to do.

“It takes a lot of pressure off us,” Hamblin said.

Sheriff’s deputies check on the Armory when no one is there and help with other jobs.

“Many people have supported us in small ways,” said SSG Anthony Chrestman. “But the sheriff has gone above and beyond. He calls us; he takes the initiative to offer help.”

In accepting the flag and other gifts, Dickerson said, modestly, “I’m sure there are people who deserve this more than I do.”

Gifts of PT jackets and flags that were flown over the Capitol are given out only in special occasions, Hamblin said. It has been three years since a flag was given out by Detachment 1-A, he said.

PT jackets were given to Charles Skelton and Bobby Harris with the sheriff’s department for the help they have provided to the local National Guard unit.

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