Picnic honors National Guard

By Julia LeDoux

Published: July 20, 2008

Thoughts of an upcoming deployment to Iraq were temporarily banished, as soldiers with the Manassas-based 266th Military Police Company and their families were honored with a picnic Sunday at American Legion Post 28 in Triangle.

Post 28 Commander Mike Smith is currently in Iraq, acting post commander Duane Witmer told the crowd.

“We’ve all been in your shoes,” Witmer said. “We know what you’re going through. If there’s anything we can do to support you or your family while you’re gone, ask.”

Hamburgers and hot dogs sizzled on a grill, music played from loudspeakers, horseshoes clanked and children laughed with delight as they scampered on playground equipment throughout the afternoon.
“It’s great for families,” said Sgt. Eric Sanmiguel, who attended the gathering with his wife, Shelly, and the couple’s 5-month-old daughter, Alexa.

The Sanmiguels live in Lake Ridge. Eric served on active duty for 8 years prior to joining the National Guard less than a year ago.

“It’s a great opportunity to meet the families,” Shelly said.

The 266th is made up of approximately 170 soldiers and was ordered to federal service earlier this year. Commanding Officer Lt. Ryan Mallory said his soldiers have begun pre-mobilization training in advance of their deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom sometime in early October. While in Iraq, the unit will provide area security and maneuver and mobility support.

“I think it’s wonderful,” he said of the picnic. “A lot of people donated to this. We thank them all.”

Among the sponsors of the event were American Legion Post 28 and Auxiliary in Triangle; American Legion Post 364 in Woodbridge; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7916 in Occoquan; VFW Post 7589 and Auxiliary in Manassas; U.S. Military Vets Motorcycle Club Northern Virginia Chapter; The Drive and Ride Foundation; Mr. and Mrs. Pete Shoars; Marcia and Tom Wheatley; Mr. and Mrs. Thom Karlson; and Mr. and Mrs. Russ Bailey.

“All I can say is I’m in awe of the support and the overwhelming love that has been shown,“said Kat Higgins, who organized the event. “I asked for one thing and a million things showed up. Everybody wanted to help.”

Higgins’ husband, Brian, serves as a staff sergeant with the 266th and will be making his fourth overseas deployment when the unit heads to Iraq in the fall.

“For a lot of the soldiers, this is their first deployment and this gives them a sense of doing something important. This means a lot,” Brian said.

The Higgins’ have twin daughters, Megan and Lindsay, who are 11.

“It’s awesome, beyond my expectations,” Pfc. Darren Parrish, a member of the Guard for one year, said of the picnic.

The unit’s orders call for a deployment of not more than 400 days, but the Secretary of Defense can extend that time for up to two years.

“As a member of the American Legion and retired military myself, we recognize the need and the appropriateness to support the families who are fighting the war on terror,” said Thom Karlson, past commander of American Legion Post 364 in Woodbridge.