by Andi Atteberry, KUAM NewsSaturday, April 30, 2005
The troops and the families that support them were given a big round of applause today, as the those wanting to show their support for the men and women recently deployed overseas showed up to Ypao Beach Park on Tumon Bay. It was party thrown by the Guam International Airport Authority.Those who showed up, both soldiers and supporters were grateful for having had the chance to come out and share the day together. Said one serviceman, "For us, just from a soldiers perspective this all validates everything we did in Iraq all the sacrifices we made all the missions we accomplished this here validates that, its like hey there was a purpose behind it, it's a wonderful feeling to see all this support and feel all the love."Another told KUAM News, "I'm here today to celebrate the safe homecoming of Charlie Company 411, who was deployed to Iraq for the year; my husband's in the unit as well as my brother."On hand at today's event live music and plenty of food. The Support Our Troops Picnic, according to Airport general manager Jess Torres, is the agency's way of saying thank you to those who have sacrificed in the name of freedom.