Bluffton sends troops with best wishes

Bluffton High School's cafetorium was standing room only Saturday morning for the departure ceremony for the Alpha Troop of the 2-152 Cavalry Squadron.

Leaders of the Bluffton American Legion Post 111 were on hand Saturday morning to give family members a "Blue Star Banner." Alpha Troop commander 1st Lt. Ted Lich, center, stopped to personally thank the Legion for their support. From left. Legion members Dick Beck, Dan Nickelson, Lich, Tom Pett and Kash Vanover. "It’s an American tradition to display a Blue Star Service Banner in the window of a home when a loved one is proudly serving in the U.S. Armed Forces," Pett explained.

Brian Hubble, a member of local Boy Scout Troop 152, hands out American flags to attendees at Saturday morning's departure ceremony at Bluffton High School. Troop members also handed out programs and set up chairs for the event.

Lauren Johnson and Alex Huffman show one of the "Hero Packs" they gave to all of the departing members of Alpha Troop, 2-152 Cavalry Squadron after the departure ceremony Saturday morning.