In The News

A big send-off is planned Friday morning for a Tyler-based Texas National Guard unit that is being deployed to Afghanistan.

Organizers hope hundreds of flag-waving residents will turn out for a ceremony at Trinity Mother Frances Rose Stadium as members of the headquarters and headquarters' company of the 136th Military Police Battalion prepare to depart for a year-long mission as part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In Afghanistan, the group from the 136th MP will replace a Michigan National Guard unit, Smith said. Specifics about the mission are classified.

"The ceremony is open to the public and we are encouraging all to come," said Maj. Thomas Smith, who is helping organize the event. "Grab an American flag and bring it with you."

The stadium gates will open at 8 a.m. and the ceremony will take place from about 9-10:15 a.m. U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert of Tyler and and Maj. Gen. Eddy Spurgin are set to address the group of about 160 which is being deployed as well as friends, loved ones and supporters assembled.

During the ceremony, those being deployed will formally accept their mission.

"It will be an emotional time," Smith said. "For some it will be their first deployment, for others it will be perhaps their fifth or sixth deployment."

Smith said following the ceremony, those deployed will be given time to say goodbye to their families and they will board buses that will initially take them to a base in Mississippi before going overseas.

Mike Eubank, head of the Patriot Guard Riders, said the group, along with law enforcement officers, will escort the buses from Tyler to at least Interstate 20. "I hope many of you will be able to help us give these soldiers a send-off which will be fitting for our
American heroes," said a request for participation sent out to Patriot Guard members earlier this week.

Eubank said other motorcycle riders can join the escort.

Anne DeLeat, head of the Tyler "Welcome Home Soldier" group said that organization also plans to attend the ceremony.

Smith said parking will be available on the home side of Rose Stadium.

In the event of rain, the ceremony will be moved inside to Harvey Convention Center.