Local soldiers returning

Sheriff Jud Smith plans to arrange a law enforcement escort for the bus through Barrow County to the armory.

However, the plans have not been set, because the Army hasn’t let him know yet when the bus will arrive.

Wilson said the soldiers’ travel plans will not be announced until immediately before their arrival in order to protect their security as they leave the combat zone and also because travel plans can change.

The soldiers’ families, however, will receive a 72-hour advance notice to give them time to get to Fort Stewart, he said.

A big community celebration of the troops’ homecoming is being planned for early June by the volunteer organization, Patriots Call.

“The event is tied to the soldiers’ first mandatory drill after they are back,” Wilson said.

Asked what the community could do to ease the soldiers’ transition back to civilian life, Wilson said: “When I came back from Iraq, it was nice to have people say thank you and welcome back. It is very strange coming from a place that is hostile and very foreign, and you do it relatively quickly. It’s a big cultural shock. But just saying thank you and welcome home really does mean a lot to the guys.”