I now live in Augusta but I am originally from the big city of FORKLAND,ALABAMA… anyways, I have been following the war in Iraq as everyone has and it became especially important to me when my childhood friend Sherry Gray-Wright, who is also from Forkland, got orders to go.

As many know, the 287th unit out of Livingston has now returned to the USA, as stated in an article in the Demopolis Times byArmy Reserve Captain Robert Bradley of the 287th Transportation.

I am not sure when their arrival will be to Livingston but I am hoping and praying that Demopolis and neighboring cities will do something special to honor those troops.

I am aware that we still have troops over there from our hometown and they also need to be honored when they return.

My childhood friend, Mrs. Sherry. S. Gray-Wright is a very strong lady who took in stride to leave her husband, children, and other family members to serve her country.

During her time in Iraq, her husband, Curtis managed to keep it together with their 4 kids at home.

I know that she is so proud of him and it would be a shame to have everyone that has experience the loneliness and hardship while being away from their families to return back home to nothing…. No banners, No parade, no nothing.

It is so easy to say thank you.

SO I am hoping that you and your staff along with the other cites will take this into consideration and honor these well deserving Men and Women.

May God Bless each of you!

Sharon R. Washington

Augusta, Ga.