On January 30, St. Mary's teachers and students lined the sidewalks in front of the school to support the local National Guard unit that was being deployed for active duty in the event of a war with Iraq.
The farewell parade consisted of former veterans, fire trucks, police cars, state troopers, and the bus of the National Guard, followed by more veterans and family members of the National Guard men and women.
Lyle Berryman, a member of the local National Guard, said the 755th Chemical Unit was sent to Offit Air Force Base in Omaha and will be stationed in Omaha and Lincoln for a year to protect the air base. Lyle is a senior at SMH and is the grandson of Mary
Edwards of Ewing. Lyle will be eligible for deployment after he completes basic training this summer.
Mark Mahony, a 2001 SMH graduate, is a member of the Army Reserves and is stationed in Seattle, Washington. Mark has been on maneuvers for the past several days and will possibly be deployed on March 4. Mark is the son of Kevin and Patty Mahony of Inman. Mark's brother, Will, is a freshman at St. Mary's. When asked about Mark, Will said, "At first I was worried about him being shot or something, but then I realized he was a truck driver and wasn't going to be at the front lines."
Tyson Cole, also a 2001 St. Mary's graduate, returned to the United States in January after having served for a year of overseas duty for the U.S. Air Force in Korea. Airman Cole is now stationed at Elsworth Air Force Base in Rapid City, South Dakota. Tyson, the son of Nola Cole of Emmet and Jack Cole of rural O'Neill, doesn't know if he will have to go back overseas, but his mother said there is always that possibility in war time. She said, "It kind of makes me nervous, but I have a little satisfaction knowing he'll be on a base."
St. Mary's High School 1999 graduate Becky Luther, daughter of Mike and Linda Luther of O'Neill, was deployed out of Fremont on January 30th. Becky is a member of the 1012th Quarter Master Company, which is a supply company for the National Guard. Becky is now stationed overseas in Germany. Her mother Linda said that she has no idea where Becky will go from there. Linda also said, "I'm proud of her, . . . and I'm very frightened. But she's been ready since 9-11." Linda also said that anyone who wants to write to Becky can call her for Becky's address.
Eileen Jensen, also a SMH graduate from the class of 1999, serves in the United States Navy. Eileen finished her air crew training in Jacksonville, Florida, and reported to Whibby Island in Washington on January 3rd. Within a week Eileen was deployed overseas to the U.S. Air Base on the British island of Diago Garcia south of India. Her parents, Judy and Rich Walters of Ainsworth, hope that she can return to the United States sometime in June, which is the anticipated time to end her tour of overseas duty. Rich said Eileen was experiencing a little homesickness especially since she was such a long way from home.
Chris Bahrij, son of Steve and Leila Bahrij, is a recruit for the Air Force ROTC program at the Universiity of Nebraska at Lincoln. A 2002 SMH graduate, Chris will most likely not become eligible for active duty until after he graduates and completes basic training.
Our St. Mary's alumni who are serving in the various branches of the United States military look forward to letters and e-mails from their home town suppoorters and friends at St. Mary's. We urge all of the St. Mary's faculty, students, and alumni to contact the parents of these service men and women for a current address. Let them know how proud we are of their efforts and keep them updated on life here at SMH and our community!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the soldiers, but especially to those who are our alumni.
Anyone with more information on any of SMH alumni who are actively serving our country, can contact Mrs. Troshynski or any Outlook staff member..