Ribbons, signs to welcome soldiers

The 120 members of the Montana Army National Guard 639th Quartermaster Supply Co. are expected to arrive Friday in Helena following a nearly yearlong deployment to Iraq.

Since the soldiers aren’t returning as a unit to the Flathead Valley, no public event such a parade is planned at this time.

Instead, Flathead volunteers have hung yellow ribbons and businesses have posted signs to welcome soldiers along the routes they may follow as they return home from Helena with their families.

Heidi Roedel, a volunteer helping organize the decorating, said she could use some more yellow ribbons tied along U.S. 2 West for Libby soldiers to see as they head home. She planned to drop off ribbon at Insty-Prints where people who want to help may pick some up.

Roedel encourages businesses to display yellow welcome-home posters also available from Insty-Prints at 131 Main St. in Kalispell. People willing to donate to help pay costs of ribbons and signs may do so

through the Scott Vallely Memorial Fund, www.soldiersmemorialfund.org, the organization sponsoring the welcome-home effort.

The majority of the decorating took place on Dec. 19.

“I had a huge turnout of volunteers for yellow ribbon day,” Roedel said. “It was awesome. We did much more than I thought we would.”

She said groups went to Lions Park, along Main Street and the courthouse and two or three blocks along U.S. 2 East and West. Roedel obtained 18,000 square feet of ribbon to paint the town yellow.

A public event to thank the soldiers may take place during the first weekend in March, the first drill weekend when the entire 639th gathers in the Flathead Valley. The unit has armories in Kalispell, Libby and Havre and members come from all over the state.

Roedel said a group has formed to put together gift bags of donated items and discount coupons from various businesses.

“I need items donated — 120 each,” she said. “For instance, if they have keychains, I need 120.”

People who would like more information or businesses that want to offer discounts or donations may contact her at 756-0801.

This marked the second deployment for the 639th, a supply company that distributes fuel, food, water, vehicle parts and general supplies.

On this trip, the unit was located near Baghdad.

Members deployed the first time from December 2003 to March 2005. On their return, the community hosted a large parade and gathered gifts for them from the business community.

“Some of them [soldiers] are on their second deployment and they remember that grand welcome home,” Roedel said.

The spouse of a retired member of the 639th, Roedel said that tremendous event helped families weather the adjustment after their soldiers’ return.

Roedel said she volunteered to help paint the town yellow because she understands the difficulties faced during and after the deployment. The idea is to show support for the 639th and their families and let them know that their sacrifices are appreciated.

Reporter Candace Chase may be reached at 758-4436 or by e-mail at cchase@dailyinterlake.com