Military Appreciation Day was recently hosted at Winder-Barrow High School, and it was a chance to recognize the local National Guard units back from deployment in Afghanistan. Principal Al Darby welcomed those gathered for Military Appreciation Day, which included presentation of plaques of appreciation for the 1/121 Infantry Battalion of the 48th Brigade and an all-day cookout. Representing the National Guard at the event was Sgt. Billy Epps, who accepted the plaques, which will be hung at the Richard B. Russell National Guard Armory, and Sgt. Stefen Berry, PFC Kyle Black, Specialist William Shrope, Sgt. Matt Moulton, Specialist Alex Kraeling and Specialist Jonathon Turner. Darby also recognized special guests Sheriff Jud Smith, Winder Police Chief Stanley Rodgers and Capt. Dennis Dorsey, retired Air Force Lt. Col. John O. Mobley Jr., Assistant Superintendent Rob Johnson and Apalachee High Principal David McGee. A Black Hawk from the 1/1187 Air Assault at the Winder-Barrow Airport and a HUMVEE from the 1/121 were on display. Cadets enjoyed taking the Army rock wall challenge, and they visited booths from the ROTCs from the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech and North Georgia. Active Army and the Marines were also represented.
(posted in the General section)