Ft. Mitchell to honor adopted soldiers

FORT MITCHELL, Ky. - Eager kids, with their parents who are bursting with pride, will line the streets to welcome home “their men” this Fourth of July.

Before the fireworks and the picnics get underway this Independence Day in Fort Mitchell, a parade will take to the pavement honoring the adopted soldiers from Bravo Company 2-504 PIR of the 82nd Airborne out of Fort Bragg—better known to Fort Mitchell as the “White Devils.”

“We love them to death,” said Nancy Taylor, retired Beechwood teacher.

The daughter of a World War II veteran herself, Taylor said in parades past, the soldiers’ eyes have welled up with tears as they ride on a float, slowly passing by tiny hands, waving American flags and cheering in their honor.

“It’s our honor and privilege to be able to do that.”

This is the only year; however, that she can remember when they will have soldiers from their unit will be in town for the Fourth of July. And this year, about 30 from the unit will be in town for the parade, a community picnic and games with the kids.

The city adopted the White Devils back in 2004 when then-Beechwood teacher, Taylor, enlisted the students’ help to adopt a military unit. The school threw a large rally, she said, in which the school agreed to support the City of Fort Mitchell in helping with the unit adoption through a national program called America Supporting Americans—which pairs communities through the United States with military units.

“It’s just one city taking care of one unit. And with the help of schools and the community, it’s very little effort involved and it’s such a blessing to the people involved. I think we get more out of it than the men do.”

Once then-Mayor Tom Holocher signed the adoption in the city charter in 2004, the city became responsible for that unit. Therefore, when the soldiers are deployed, the folks of Fort Mitchell send supplies overseas.

The city sends care packages, cards and letters, “letting them know that they are not forgotten and that they have a community that considers them part of their family,” said Taylor.

Students bring in items like toothbrushes, toothpaste and socks to school for the soldiers. The school communicates via email with the unit to find out what they need while in Afghanistan. In turn, soldiers share photos of what it’s like there, like the terrain, to the students.

Beechwood parent Tiffanny Smith, of Lakeside Park, heads up the school’s efforts and has been helping since 2005, when she reached out to Taylor. It’s important to her because her father was a Vietnam Vet.

“No matter how you feel about it [the war] these guys are important and what they do is important.”

The soldiers have come several times over that last seven years for visits. During their time in Fort Mitchell, they take part in Beechwood football games, parades, and local run/walks.

The last time the soldiers were in town, they had a 5K walk with the soldiers. In fact, Smith said, the kids have kept in touch with their walking buddies.

“They have life-long relationships. They are their idols.”

If you are interested in what it takes for your city to adopt a military unit, email FortMitchellBravo@gmail.com or visit http://www.asa-usa.org/.