As a heartfelt thank you, soldiers from the Kentucky National Guard 206th Engineer Battalion presented official deployment flags to Daviess County and Owensboro public schools during a Monday afternoon ceremony at Smothers Park.
During an 11-month deployment in Iraq, KYNG soldiers received roughly 1,000 personal care packages from over 150 classrooms across the school districts as part of the Adopt-A-Soldier Care Package.
“The big difference with this care package project is that it truly was an ‘Adopt a Soldier,’” said Gold Star Mother Cathy Mullins. “Typically with care packages, they just throw a whole bunch of stuff in a big pile at a warehouse, they sort it all out, and then they just send it to random soldiers — many times not knowing that personal connection.”
With this project, every student and classroom that participated had an identifiable soldier with a photo and biography. In having that additional information, they got to know their soldiers, Mullins said.
“It was definitely a labor of love, and we’re so thankful that all you guys made it home safe,” Mullins said.
Captain Matthew Engle, who did not deploy, said the soldiers who received those packages during their overseas stay were extremely grateful for the support. A handful of those soldiers were present at Monday’s ceremony.
“This community is great. By far, this community has shown the most love to [soldiers] in the time that I’ve had,” he said.
Command Sgt. Maj. Michael Sims also commended Daviess County for its strong military support.
“I’m from central Kentucky, and there is so much support for the military in this community — it’s amazing,” he said. “It’s great to see. The packages mean a lot to the soldiers. You could be having the worst day where you’re at, but everybody wants that mail. They want that little piece from home.”
