NEWPORT-Hundreds of Cocke County High School students paused in their studies Tuesday afternoon to wish ten members of K-Troop/278 Armored Cavalry Regiment of the Tennessee Army National Guard well prior to their departure Sunday for deployment to Iraq.

Organized by members of the school's Young Republican Club, the short program paid tribute to the troops with special music and remarks.

Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan, Jr. and John Abe Teague, Jr., representing US Rep. Phil Roe led the processional of troops into the gymnasium.

As each honored guest crossed the threshold, CCHS NJROTC Commanding Officer Erika Fullington rang them aboard and CCHS NJROTC Executive Assistant Michael Poindexter introduced them.

The guests then walked between cadets positioned as sideboys. These cadets saluted each soldier and guest.

Cadets Devon Stuart, Aaron Loveday, Seth Carmichael, and Sierra Smith composed a Color Guard and presented the colors, after which CCHS student Sarah Stokely sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" and Medhavin Sriram led the "Pledge of Allegiance."

Club president Lexi Clevenger told the group, "We are here to show our appreciation to you for your willingness to fight for this land we call home. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers during the next year."

In his remarks Mayor McMahan said, "Just a few short years we did this the first time. We don not want to say 'goodbye.' Instead we say 'Godspeed and safe journey.'

McMahan then addressed the students, "While we enjoy our families, food, and fellowship, these guys are the reason we can do that. I want you to pray for them. They indeed are our gatekeepers."

On behalf of Congressman Roe, Teague said, "Congressman Roe can't do enough for our troops. He really appreciates the service of what you are about to do."

Teague also praised the CCHS NJROTC cadets. "You bring pride and dignity to anything you do."

On behalf of the troops, First Sgt. Marty Baker told the students, "I've spent a lot of years in the National Guard. Your Cocke County guys are some of the best. We appreciate the support we have gotten in our efforts to get these troops home for Christmas furlough."

Baker also recognized students in the audience who currently have family members serving in the war.

Club sponsor and CCHS teacher Rob Mathis, himself a veteran of the guard's last deployment to Iraq, said, "I was on the other side of the program the last time. Today's program was put on by the students for you. We have raised almost $700 to help bring you home for Christmas by selling Christmas candy during lunch. We'll also be sending items to you overseas while you're gone."

Mathis then turned to the audience. "Some things in the world have to be done. Some are unpleasant. Who do you think protects our freedoms? These guys, that's who. All of them are volunteers.

In closing Mathis observed, "Everyone is looking for role models. Here they are. A hero is someone who puts himself on the line."

When Mathis saluted the troops, the students and audience members rose in standing ovation.

Plans call for the troops to leave from the Charles McGaha Armory on Sunday, Dec. 6, at approximately 9 a.m. The convoy will travel north on Hwy. 321 to I-40.