The Georgia National Guard 1230th Transportation Company, also known as the “Road Hawgs,” will deploy for a mission on Sunday, October 4th from their home base in Thomasville. In continuing with its longstanding efforts to support the guard during the deployment, the City of Thomasville will provide operational assistance to honor the soldiers and their families during a departure ceremony conducted by the Georgia National Guard. The send-off for families and invited guests will take place at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 3rd at Thomasville High School Football Stadium.
“The City of Thomasville is honored to assist in the send-off of the 1230th National Guard," said Kha McDonald, Executive Director of Human Resources and Community Relations. “Governor Kemp’s Executive Orders on large gatherings will not allow us to send them off with a parade and public ceremony as we’ve done in the past, however, we are planning alternative ways to allow the soldiers and their families to fellowship in a socially distanced manner.”
According to McDonald, a departure ceremony is an opportunity for the community to extend its support for the brave men and women being deployed as well as to the military in general. “In previous deployments, our community has always shown a tremendous amount of support for our troops, honoring them in the genuine and sincere fashion that is representative of the warmth that defines Thomasville,” said McDonald. “Although COVID-19 has forced us to respond differently, the goal of Team Thomasville remains the same, to provide opportunities for our community to safely and properly honor our troops.”
McDonald says that American Flags will line the streets of downtown this weekend in honor of the troops. “As the Road Hawgs travel through downtown, they will be saluted by our Stars and Stripes and the warmth of a community that will be praying for their safety and protection.”
“The 1230th has worked extremely hard the past seven months preparing for this upcoming deployment. Because of our pre-mobilization training requirements, we are technically and tactically proficient in all the skills and job duties that are required,” said First Lieutenant Charles W. Reeves II, Company Commander 1230th Transportation Company. “The 1230th TC looks forward to representing not only the Georgia National Guard but also the city of Thomasville. The support for the military from the Thomasville community is evident and the 1230th TC soldiers and families appreciate all the love and support they have and continue to provide.”
“Our brave troops will be provided a law enforcement escort on Sunday as they depart to a nearby airport,” said McDonald. “So much is asked of our troops, and this is our small way of saluting those serving our Country and making the ultimate sacrifice to defend the freedom which we live every day.”
The send-off ceremony will be replayed on CNSNext Channel 6 and highlights of the ceremony will be available on the City’s Facebook page, facebook.com/cityofthomasville.