[Peace-discuss] cannon fodder

[Dlind49 at aol.com]

Local Troops Depart 
Some Central Illinois National Guard members said their tearful goodbyes this 
Sunday morning. 

Patriotism and pride beamed from the young and old at the Illinois National 
Guard Armory in Decatur.

That's where the 106th Aviation Regiment held their heads high before saying 
goodbye to thier families.

For some guardsmen including Champaign's Shane Thurman, it's thier the first 
time leaving U.S. soil to defend their country.

Like other families here, Shane's family finds it hard to say goodbye, but 
easy to say how proud they are.

About 120 members going to Iraq.

They'll join hundreds of other Illinois national guard members on their way.

Their final destination and assignments are classified and they don't know 
how long they'll be gone.

Guardsman Peter Wilke and his family say that's what worries them the most.