ADT II Team deploys to Afghanistan

1. PAGE 10A February 29, 2012 • The Metter Advertiser
ADT II Team deploys to Afghanistan
by Jerri Goodman obvious than with the each deployment, Anna ricks Char House Grille. businesses,” explained 1st in the beginning of 2011.”
It was a time for one Clower family. replied, “No, not really. “Please know that our Lt. William Carraway of Since July 2011, the
more piggyback ride and This is the first deploy- You just get tougher.” hearts and prayers are the Georgia Department ADT II members have had
bubble-blowing session ment for Specialist Robert In addition to Abbey with you,” Colson said of Defense media rela- two weeks of Dari lan-
as members of the 265th’s Clower, a 4-year member and Caroline, Michael during the presentation. tions office. “These Guard guage training, two weeks
Agricultural Development of the Guard. also had to bid farewell Lisa explained that the specialists will teach sus- of Pashto language train-
Team spent their final “I feel good, but I have to the couple’s older two Family Readiness Group tainable farming practices ing and agricultural spe-
minutes with family and mixed feelings,” he said, children, Caleb, 10, and serves as a support net- to Afghan farmers. ADT II cific training, said MSG
friends before a year-long while his sister Robin Grace, 8. work for families of troops will replace ADT I which David D. McElwee, opera-
deployment to Afghani- clung to his hand. Inside the Armory, COL throughout their deploy- deployed to Afghanistan tions NCO, 265th RSG.
stan. “I don’t want him to go,” Craig McGalliard ex- ment.
More than 300 family she said. That sentiment pressed his appreciation “We try to meet once ev-
and friends were at the was echoed by his father to the city for its support ery other month and we
National Guard Armory and step-mother, Jim and of the troops. try to support each other”
in Metter last Wednesday, Carol of Lilburn. “Folks, what you are she said. “If any wives or
home base for the 265th “We don’t want him to seeing here today is a tes- children have any prob-
Regional Support Group, go,” Carol said. tament to the community lems, we try to steer them
for a farewell dinner in “I feel sadness and glad- support the city of Metter in the right direction to
honor of the 51 soldiers ness, sorrow and pride,” has given us,” he said. “It get the support they need.
who left that day en route added Jim. says on the water tower “This community has
to Camp Atturberry, IN. In another secluded ‘Everything’s Better in gone all out,” she contin-
Soldiers could be seen spot, E6 Michael Banister Metter’ and it truly is.” ued of Metter’s support
following the meal, gath- stood with his wife Anna As a community show of the troops. “They have
ering in private places to who had their 2-month- of support, City Council- been so supportive. There
grab those last few pre- old daughter Abbey in a woman Marcia Colson are communities that
cious moments with their baby sling while 2-year- presented Lisa McGal- don’t, but this one has
families and loved ones. old daughter Caroline ran liard, chair of the Family done everything they can
The emotion of the mo- around nearby. Readiness Group, with a to support us.”
ment was visible through- “This is my fourth de- check for $850 to help off- As he addressed the au- Presenting the community donation check of $850
out the Armory, but per- ployment,” Michael said. set the cost of the meal, dience, Mayor Billy Trap- to Family Readiness Group chair Lisa McGalliard
haps nowhere was the When asked if the sepa- which was provided and nell said, “I would like to and her husband, Col. Craig McGalliard are (at left)
sorrow of parting more rations get easier with sponsored in part by Bev- wish you Godspeed and Mayor Billy Trapnell and City Councilwoman Marcia
to thank each of you for Colson.
your service to your com-
munity and to our nation.
And likewise, our thanks
to your families for shar-
ing you with us in protect-
ing our nation. God bless,
and hurry back home!”
Following the lun-
cheon, troops boarded
buses en route to Met-
ter High School where a
special program had been
planned.
The mission
Once their deployment
equipment issue is com-
plete at Camp Atturberry,
the Agricultural Develop-
ment Team (ADT II) will
head to Afghanistan to
focus on the revitalization
of agriculture in that na-
tion.
“The ADT II consists of
over 50 Georgia Guard photo by jerri goodman
members who have a civil- E6 Michael Banister and wife Anna enjoy a few
ian background in farm- minutes of time with their daughters, Caroline, 2, and
ing or agriculture-related Abbey, 2 mos.
Miss DEA 2012 to be crowned March 9
Miss DEA 2012 will be crowned at 2012 are (back row, l-r) junior Jerica
the school’s annual pageant on Friday, Burnett; sophomore Ashley Oglesby; se-
March 9, at 6:30 p.m. in the school gym- nior Ceejae Garrett; (middle row) fresh-
nasium. The night will begin with the man Lauren Rhoney; junior Margaret
Little Mr., Little Miss, Princess, Young Anne Garrett; (front row) senior Madi-
Miss and Junior Miss, ending with the son Mercer and freshman Millie Scott.
crowning of Miss DEA. DEA’s annual money drawing will be
Competing for the title of Miss DEA held at the pageant.