National Guard Picnic Thursday Night PDF Print E-mail
By JOEL McNEECE
Members of the 858th National Guard Unit based in Calhoun City and their families will be honored Thursday, July 2 with a countywide “picnic” at the Calhoun City football field beginning at 5 p.m.
The soldiers are scheduled to be deployed to Iraq on July 17.
Jumpers for children, provided by David Martin, will open at 5 p.m. The official program will begin at 6 p.m. and include an entrance by the Patriot Guard, the National Anthem sung by Janae Harrelson of Bruce, an address by Con. Travis Childers and live performances of patriotic music.
There will also be a presentation of flags and all of the Guard members will be introduced.
The dinners served will consist of hot dogs and hamburgers, chips, desserts and drinks. Guard t-shirts, designed by Southern Belle, will be available at the event from the “Family Readiness Group.” The plan is to wear the red t-shirts supporting the Guard every Friday as long as they are gone to Iraq.
Volunteers wishing to assist with the dinner are still being accepted.  If you can help, please contact Millie Goforth, Calhoun County Extension Homemakers Council, by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call her at the Extension office at 412-3177.
Parking will be available on the practice field and around the walking track. Everyone is encouraged to bring lawn chairs for sitting or plan to sit in the bleachers for the ceremony.
More groups are being sought to assist with supplying chilled bottles of water for the event. Anyone wishing to assist may contact Billie Hitt by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
Robert Gosa has plastic yard signs for sale for $10. Two choices are available – one with 858th on it and one with the Engineer’s Castle design. Gosa can be emailed at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . All proceeds go to the Readiness Group.
An information tent will be set up to be a contact point at the field.
For more information on this event or to volunteer your services, please contact Dr. Jimmy Gage Dobbs, chairman, at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 628-8500. You may also contact Rose Diamond by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 637-2647.