Nov 28, 2005 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

A federal official and the commander of the Pennsylvania National Guard are asking that those serving their country throughout the world and their families at home be remembered this holiday season. U.S. Rep. Bill Shuster, a member of the Armed Services Committee, said that the sacrifice of soldiers on the battlefield should not go without recognition at Thanksgiving and everyday.

“When you see a veteran, a simple thank-you goes further than you would think,” he said. “Our young men and women have shown remarkable courage protecting our freedoms and tracking terrorists where they hide.

“They are answering the call of duty honorably and we always need to remember to than them for their service to our country.”

Currently, 2,200 state guardsmen, along with units from 30 other states, a U.S. Marine Battalion and an Iraqi security team – known as the 2nd Iron Brigade – are stationed in the Al Anbar region in western Iraq.

Maj. Gen. Jessica L. Wright, who has visited the Pennsylvania guardsmen since their July deployment, said that the holidays would be hard for those serving abroad and at home.

“This is a time when families come together, spend time with one another, and often participate in family traditions,” she said. “Our soldiers and their families are not able to celebrate together this year, so as we enjoy this holiday season, we must continue to support them as their selfless service allows us to celebrate in peace and freedom.”

Maj. Ros Gammon, a member of the Mount Pleasant-based 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry Headquarters unit, and overseeing the brigade operations center, said that the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays would be the first time many of those in the unit would be separated from loved ones.

He along with several captains will be working a few extra hours to give soldiers the opportunity to call home.

“It is very difficult for us to shut things down,” he said. “We have to run 24 hour per day operations, so we’re always on duty.

“I know it is not perfect, but hopefully the couple hours off will give the guys some time to talk to their families.”

In past years, Gammon would be found assisting in the unit’s preparation of turkey dinners for senior citizens on Thanksgiving. This year, his wife Jaime and several of her Beth Center School District students offered assistance with the preparations and delivery.

While he will miss assisting in the annual event, Ros Gammon said that the mission of the 2nd Brigade continues to bring peace and stability to the region.

“Things are getting better everyday,” he said. “Yes, we have lost some warriors so far in the fight, but the performance of this brigade has been outstanding. We are making progress and have no intentions of slowing up until we leave.”Official