Up & Coming Weekly

JANUARY 13-19, 2010 UCW 5 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM TOMMY BOLTON, Civilian Aide to the Secretary of the Army COMMENTS? 484-6200 ext. 222 or or email editor@upandcomingweekly.com Community Concerts Presents ... Paul Anka CROWN THEATRE )RU3DXO$QND7LFNHWV &DOO7LFNHWPDVWHUDW &URZQ%R[2IÀFH -DQXDU\‡SP -DQXDU\‡SP Enter for Your Chance to WIN passes to Enter for Your Chance to WIN passes to 2950 Lindsay Rd. 910-237-5898 Name: _________________________ Phone Number: __________________ Email: _________________________ www.rockfishmotorsports.com Please send completed entry form to Up & Coming Weekly, 208 Rowan St., Fayetteville, NC 28301 or fax to 910-484-9218 We Live Among Heroes by TOMMY BOLTON A group of us just returned from a visit with our troops that are currently deployed with the 82nd Airborne Divi- sion, 7th Special Forces Group and Pope Air Force Base. We were the guests of the Combined Joint Task Force 82 (CJTF82) Commander, Maj. Gen. Mike Scapar- rotti and Command Sgt. Maj. Tom Capel. These individuals are in charge of the eastern region of Afghanistan. This visit was primarily to Bagram, Afghanistan, and included a visit to Kandahar. We were billeted at Bagram, which seemed to stay pretty busy around the clock. Graham Moore, Joy Thrash, George Breece and Keith Allison were included as guests during this Christmas visit. These individuals represent our com- munity's strongest military supporters and are leaders that provide steadfast support without self aggrandizement. They were invited because of their strong commit- ment of selfl ess service to our soldiers, airmen and their families. This visit was probably one of the most rewarding I have experienced, and I would return this very instant if allowed. We really enjoyed our stops in Kandahar where we met with groups of All-Amer- icans from the 82nd Airborne Division. We had lunch with one group where my "airborne buddy" was from Raeford, N.C. We shared "thoughts of home." After our group returned to Bagram and to our rooms I called his mother back home in Raeford. It was early morning for her, but I told her of the lunch time shared with her son and that he said hello and that he loves her. I also told her he was doing well and I knew she must be very proud of him. She could hardly talk, so we cried together. We also had the unique opportunity to meet with Col. Jim Kraft and Command Sgt. Maj. "Z" and other members of the Com- mand of the 7th SF Group. We visited their compound, attended briefi ngs on their specifi c missions and visited with the team members during lunch. These brave men and women are all about their duty and are performing with honor. We were provided maps, charts, slides and videos and briefed on most facets of this current confl ict in Afghanistan. We were also shown and briefed on static displays, exotic weaponry and high-tech gizmos that can do just about anything. Standing amid all this equipment, the constant that remained above all else is our nation's most valued asset … the American soldier. This has been true throughout his- tory and remains true today. The soldiers we visited represent the most incredible fi ghting force ever assembled and are busy doing the work of our nation. These incredible men and women recognize their mission is to eradicate al-Qaeda forces. Their effort is mounted with the sole purpose of keeping this inherent terror from the shores of America and keeping Americans safe. Their sacrifi ce and commitment for the benefi t of this great nation is without parallel. They serve with a distinct honor and are totally deserving of our unwaver- ing support and ultimate respect. These magnifi cent individuals, those they rep- resent and those they command, are the true heartbeat of America. What most take for granted, these men and women are committed to preserve. What a great part of the heartland forgets is the price these men and women pay so we may have the privilege to be called and live as Americans. We, who breathe the same air, live in the same neighborhoods, worship at the same churches, play on the same ball fi elds and attend the same schools, understand the incredible worth these individuals are to the preservation of our heritage, our free- dom, our democracy, our republic. Those of us who live in the areas surrounding Fort Bragg and Pope are fortunate to be able to call this area home. We are residing among the greatest as- semblage of heroes ever to exist. Our neighbors are indeed, a national treasure, entrusted with a great deal of responsibil- ity. We, individually and collectively, should assign ourselves as a keeper or trustee of our treasure. I humbly ask that each of you, and those with whom you congregate or as- semble, remember these men and women and their families. Please, search deep within your soul and fi nd in your heart, a way to say thanks. OPINION OPINION

• Cover