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Show Feature SOUTHERN UTAH NEWS WEDNESDAY MARCH 26, 2003 War thoughts Let the apples ripen on the tree By Myrna Cox As I watch the TV today and realize that war is imminent, my heart is with the troops from every place and walk of life in Roger Hoverman (I) and Bob Russell (r) of the Kanab American Legion Post 69 presented a Blue Star Banner to Brent and Barbara Crandall (c) of Fredonia to honor their son Justin, who was activated with his National Guard unit in St. George. American Legion Post 69 presents Blue Star Banners Kanab American Legion Post relatives, friends, neighbors and 69 presented a Blue Star Ban- community to see. These banners ner to Brent and Barbara identify those people who are Crandall of Fredonia to honor especially deserving of our apactipreciation, support and remembrance. It serves as a reminder Guard his National vated with unit in St. George. that preserving Americas freeA Blue Star Banner, hung dom demands much and identiprominently in windows of fies those who have determined homes all across this nation, is a to bear that burden for us. tradition dating back to 1917 American Legion Post 69 saand World War I. These red and lutes those in uniform, on active white banners identify families duty, and wishes to recognize with a loved one currently serv- military personnel and their ing on active military duty. Each families here in the local area. star on the banner indicates one Blue Star Banners can be ormember the dered or in relative family through Kanab post memarmed forces, a blue star for the bers Roger Hoverman, 4 or Bob living and a gold star for a loved Bob Russell, one killed or who died during a Thompson, time of military action. Pizza Hut Manager Pat Families proudly display Blue Robinson Excell has volunteered Star Banners as a symbol of quiet to host the presentation of bansacrifice and patriotism for their ners to family members. their son Justin, who was 644-257- 4, 644-503- 644-281- 9. Casebolt off to Middle East Tad Lawrence Casebolt has recently returned from Basic and Active Initial Training at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. From a Battery of nearly 200 cadets, PV2 Casebolt graduated with honors and held the position of Platoon Guide for the duration of his 15 week training, a distinction seldom attained by any soldier. As one of the youngest soldiers in his battery, Tads marksmanship, physical fitness, and leadership skills earned him recognition and respect from his superiors. Casebolt was selected as the soldier representing the seven army values and he was one of 10 selected to be a Fast Tracker, the soldier who positions, aims and directs the Paladin Howitzer during fire missions. The Fast Tracker has one of the most difficult responsibilities as an Artillery Cannon crewman. The Paladin resembles a tank, but it lacks the heavy armor that lets tanks roll headlong into battle. The width of armor plat ing is classified, but it weighs 40 tons, compared with other models of tanks that can weigh 69 tons. The Paladin has a firing range of 30 kilometers, or about 18 miles. From that range and shooting a $30,000 copper-hea- d shell, the tank can hit a target within three inches. The main difference between the Paladin and its predecessor, which was used in the Gulf War, is its quickness in firing and moving on. Using both satellite d and navigation, the Paladin can fire a round 30 seconds after positioning itself, compared to the 15 minutes the old models required. Fort Sill is the Active Initial Training Center for soldiers serving in the Army, Army Reserve, and the National Guard. Casebolt will soon advance to Private First Class and will join his local southern Utah Guard Unit, the Triple Deuces, as they prepare for deployment overseas. He is the son of Lawrence and Donna Casebolt of Kanab. laser-assiste- this nation. On a personal note, I have two sons who are waiting in Camp Williams for their assignment in the conflict. My sons have left five children behind and two who will be born within eight weeks. They are not unique. They do not stand alone. So many young families have been separated as military men and women step forward to do their duties. I pay tribute to those patriotic Americans who remind us that they are willing to die for their fellow men. War is never pretty. It is never without casualties. However freedom comes with a price and that price has been paid over and over for me and my loved ones as I live in this land and have enjoyed a life of , By Myrna Cox I recall the yesteryears, the laughter and the tears, As the boys with their arsenals set the stage. Sticks of war, and apples flying, , Fell among the dead and dying And the war upon each other did engage. Dont hurt each other, boys, with your handmade guns and toys Lest you wound anothers heart, it neednt be. You can figure out away, to engage in peaceful play And boys - let the apples ripen on the tree. Now, the boys have grown to men, and I see them once again Artillery fire is real - games no more. They are waiting out their days, as they train in combat ways, They will fly to distant lands so far away. They are peaceful men at heart, no battle will they start But hold true the sacred trust within their care. To defend the brave and free, Dear God with them, please be And - let the apples ripen on your tree. filled with terror, war and un- I reflect on my children when rest. God bless all of the families they were small. I never dreamed of our heroes as they march to that they would be facing a world defend us. freedom. County wants service names Show your support for Kane County would like to recognize all of the service men and women from our general area that are actively serving our country. Please call the County Clerks office and tell us name, rank, length of service, and what branch of the service 6 they are in at or Americas troops Mark your calendar for 17 Mon- day, April 7 at 7:00 p.m. The United States Air Forces Wild Blue Country will be performing a free concert sponsored by the Southern Utah News at the Kanab High School Auditorium. 644-245- 8, 644-493- 644-492- 4. Under the direction of Senior Master Sergeant Scott Barbier, the band travels around the nation inspiring people with their music. Show your patriotism, all the while enjoying the first Air Force country group to perform on the Grand Ole Opry! The six piece Wild Blue Country is more than a great coun- try band. At the drop of a Stetson, they become an authentic blue grass ensemble complete with acoustic guitars, band and upright bass! Look again and g they become a classic rock band. Rounding out the musical styles, they also present top 40 country hits or a cupboard full of torch songs and standards. Wild Blue Country is one of nine performing groups that make up the 75 member United States Air Force Band of the Rockies. They have appeared with such famous country reheart-throbbin- cording artists as Charlie Daniels, Conway Twitty, Boxcar Willie, Hand Williams Jr, Reba McEntire and Mickey Gilley. Colorado Springs, CO is home to the Band ofthe Rockies which supports military ceremonies and espirit de corps functions involving the men and women of our nations armed forces. The band will travel to Kanab after doing a concert at Nellis Air Force Base in Das Vegas . Everyone in the surrounding communities are invited to a Fpgg Patriotic CcRSGPt ; by the U.S. Air Force Band of the Rockies on Monday, April 7 at 7 p.m. KHS Auditorium |