Families of the 142nd Battery C Raise Funds to Bring Men Home

Their soldiers may be heading to Iraq, but the families of the National Guards 142nd Field Artillery Brigade Battery C in Rogers, would like to have them home one last time. And they need the public`s help. It`s called "Operation Give a Soldier Wings" and time is of the essence. Battery C has been training at Fort Dix in New Jersey for the past month. Before they deploy for Iraq, they have 4 days off starting March 6th. And their families are trying to fly them home on a jet, but its costly. A benefit dinner kicked off a large fundraising effort on Saturday. All 150 families were on all cylinders. Janell Montgomery, Husband Serving in Battery C: "Its really hard. We just have over a few weeks to raise over $75,000 to bring the boys home. This is the one last time they can hug their loved ones, spend those last precious moments with them before they go to Iraq." The Rogers Armory buzzed with activity between raffles, selling t-shirts, and a massive amount of food. Volunteers from the VFW Post 3031 were in the kitchen cooking up ham and beans. They were glad to be there. Lonnie McDurmond, Commander Post 3031: "To get them home for however long, we`re more than happy to do it." Some folks paid the $5 not just for the good meal but because they too have been in a similar situation. Charles Gilge, WW II Veteran: "I was in World War II. I was overseas for 3 years and 8 months so I know what the guys are going through." The Family Readiness Group has until February 20th to raise the rest of the funds. They know getting off to a good start is half the battle. Skylar Harrington, Father Serving in Battery C: "It means alot to me. I just want him to come home. I want to see him." The group raised close to $5,000 on Saturday. To contribute call (479) 685-6205 or (479) 381-5882. Future events include a pork shoulder sale, call in orders prior to 2/16. A polar bear poker run is planned for the weekend before Valentines Day. Companies can also adopt a solider for $500, which pays for one soldiers return to Northwest Arkansas.