Deployment Ceremony

Jerome is leaving next week for Afghanistan. Unfortunately, now he has to leave on Jared's Birthday. But we are going to have his and Justin's party this weekend. Tuesday we went to a Ceremony held at the Sullivan Arena.The boys skipped school and went with us. Gov. Sarah Palin was there and spoke. It was very nice.

Jerome and Jadyn playing in the stands. I was glad that Jerome got to sit with us. I thought he was going to have to be with his troops on the floor.

These soldiers and a few airmen were sworn in as US citizens at the beginning of the program. It was real cool. I think it is so neat that these people chose to serve our country during war time, and they were not even Americans! Now they are!

The orange flag represents our signal company. There are some of Jerome's soldiers standing behind it. Poor things had to stand there for HOURS!

It is kind of blurry, but that is Sarah Palin behind the podium. We could have gone down on the floor when it was over and talk to her or take a picture, but it was too crowded! Besides Ive seen her before. Walked to a parade with her while Jerome was deployed the first time. She is so classy, but completely down to earth!

The last part of the ceremony was the casing of the colors. That is the battalion flag they are rolling up. They will not be uncased until they get to Afghanistan.