Troops thank WNY town for support

ASHVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - Southern tier students have been sending care packages to soldiers serving overseas. The troops said their thank yous on Thursday in person.

A motorcade ushered dozens of troops on Route 394 to the Chautauqua Children's Saftey Village in Ashville. There was even Old Glory waving from the top of a fire truck ladder. The troops are from the 10th Mountain Division out of Fort Drum.

Army Specialist Laura Kipp said, "We're glad to be back, we're enjoying our time spending with the family and we're here to support our communities and thank them for everything they've done for us."

This was a thank you visit. While these troops were serving in Afghanistan, the people in Ashville sent care packages to the soldiers every Christmas, Valentine's Day and Easter. Local business chipped in as well as residents and students. The Blue Star Mothers spearheaded the drive to let our troops know they are not forgotten.

Blue Star Mother Kathleen Collver said, "What was so neat was they thought they were coming here to thank us because we gave them the support and really we just can't help but thank them, they are the heroes."

The turn-out of support was much bigger than organizers had anticipated. The students saluted the soldiers and gave them high-fives. But people really wanted to thank our troops for their service and sacrifice.

BOCES teacher Brenda Angelo said, "I think it's great that the community would come out and support these guys and girls, just be thankful we have the freedom that we can enjoy today because of them."

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