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Vt. National Guard member PFC Meagan Avery, right, gets an emotional goodbye hug from her brother as her mom wears a -shirt printed with 'My Daughter Wears Combat Boots.' before the start of a sendoff ceremony for about 500 Vermont National Guard soldiers in Burlington, Vt., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010. (Vermont Daily News photo)
Burlington, Vt. – January 10, 2010 – In a formal departure ceremony the Vermont National Guard said farewell today to approximately five hundred soldiers, bound for Afghanistan, as they concluded the activation of the 86th IBCT (Mtn). Soldiers in this ceremony represent Vermont Army National Guard Armories in Berlin, Windsor, Northfield, Winooski, Williston and Colchester, Vt.
A crowd of thousands gathered for the event inside the tennis courts at the University of Vermont in Burlington. In a small corner of the large crowded sports complex, Vermont Guard member PFC Meagan Avery, 30, of Hartford, Vt., held her two sons Dylan 12, and Caleb, 10, tight. She hugged them close in a tearful goodbye as she prepared to begin her year-long deployment, eventually serving in Afghanistan. Surrounding her in a touching show of support were 20 more family members and friends holding signs. Gathering around her in a semi-circle, each said their emotional goodbyes for the departing soldier. Many of them clutching their own handmade signs that read, “We love you!” and a title at the top such as ‘Mom Avery’ or ‘Auntie Avery’, each appropriate to the person holding it.
Belinda Daniels of Quechee, Vt., whose son is Meagan Avery’s boyfriend, explained the signs, “Even though she’s a soldier, she’s got lots of titles. She’s someone’s friend, she’s someone’s mom, someone’s girlfriend, aunt, daughter, sister, and niece.”
The family had driven up to Burlington the night before and rented local hotel rooms to throw a special sendoff party with a cake for Avery the evening before.
Avery’s mother Mary Brower of White River Junction, Vt. stood alongside holding an American flag and wearing a t-shirt that said, ‘My Daughter Wears Combat Boots’. With a tear-streaked face full of pride, Brower said, “I’m very proud of her. I couldn’t be sadder, but I’m very proud of her.”
Congressman and military officers spoke, each supporting the soldiers who stood in formation and the families behind them. Orders were issued and they began to depart for the waiting buses. Emotion pushed forth on the faces of many soldiers as they marched out of the building with the band playing and the crowd applauding them.
Avery marched in line with her fellow soldiers, her face still glistening with tear streaks. Her story illustrates that if each departing soldier has a direct impact on at least 20 people, that 1,500 mobilized Vermont guard members will have no less than 30,000 Vermonters eagerly awaiting their return.
-Vermont Daily News staff report by Alden Pellett
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- Vt. National Guard member PFC Meagan Avery, right, gets an emotional goodbye hug from her brother as her mom wears a t-shirt printed with ‘My Daughter Wears Combat Boots.’ before the start of a sendoff ceremony for about 500 Vermont National Guard soldiers in Burlington, Vt., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010. (Vermont Daily News photo)
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- Avery fans, family and friends, surround Vt. National Guard member Meagan Avery of Hartford, Vt., before a sendoff ceremony for 500 Vermont National Guard soldiers in Burlington, Vt., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010. (Vermont Daily News photo)
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- Vt. National Guard member PFC Meagan Avery holds her sons tight before beginning a one year tour of duty to Afghanistan. (Vermont Daily News photo)
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- Sourrounded by emotional family and friends, Vt. National Guard member Meagan Avery, left, gets a final hug from her mother Mary Brower, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, before beginning a one year tour of duty to Afghanistan. (Vermont Daily News photo)
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- Vt. National Guard member PFC Meagan Avery’s mother Mary Brower, center, waves a flag as she watches her daughter depart for a yearlong deployment to Afghanistan, Sunday, in Burlington, Vt., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010. (Vermont Daily News photo)
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- Vt. National Guard member PFC Meagan Avery fights back emotion as she stands in formation during a sendoff ceremony for 500 Vermont National Guard soldiers in Burlington, Vt., Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010. (Vermont Daily News photo)
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- Family members of Vt. National Guard P3 Meagan Avery wave signs of love and support as she marches out of the building Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010, departing for eventual duty in Afghanistan. (Vermont Daily News photo/Alden Pellett)
Thank you so much,, When I made those signs, I wanted to show exactly what you stated at the end of your article. What the impact is and how many people are affected… Meagan landed safely and I read her the story.
What a great article. This is my ex-daughter in-law and grandsons. Who will be with us for the year. We are very proud of meagan and this is a great tribute to her.
Meagan is my niece. I didn’t see her off, but I’ve told her how proud I am of her fortitude since joining the Reserve. I wish her all the best and a speedy, safe return, just as I also wish the same for all of our troops away from home. My thoughts are with their families as well. Godspeed one and all.
Meagan’s son (seen sitting on shoulders) and my son were in Cub Scouts together in the first grade. She had just joined around that time to the unit I finished my enlistment with. I wish her well and we did notice the signs!!! Come home soon Meagan!
I had to say my good-by to Meagan on the phone because I had finals due for school today. I do not believe I would have been able to handle the emotional impact of this day. Meagan is a tough woman who is proud of where she is and all I hope is that she stays safe and strong on this journey. She is surrounded by much love and I cannot wait until she comes home!! This article is wonderful and a great tribute for Meagan and her family/friends. I send my wishes to all the soldiers and pray they all have a safe return. Thank-you.
Really proud of you, Meagan. Best of luck and thank you!
We all love you and will miss you Meg!!! You are an amazing woman and mom. Thank you for going to fight for our freedom. Love you!!!!
Thank you so much for your service on our behalf – we will keep you in our prayers! We pray for your safe return home to your loving family!
We love you Meg! we are missing you. We are so proud of you. Thank you for taking care of us. Come home Soon!
Thank You ! for your service & efforts to keep us all safe. We’re with you & We’ll try & keep your Dad in line for you while you are gone ! He has expressed to me how very proud he is of you. Be Safe ! Here’s to a safe deployment & return From friends of your Dad thru Dale’s Mobile Homes
Thanks for your service ! A park Mgr. with Diane @ Dale’s Homes. Be safe ! Have a good deployment & Come home safe.
So proud of you Meagan. Thank you for all you’re doing and all the sacrifices you are making. Stay strong and hurry home safe and sound. We love you and miss you:o) XOXO Linda and the boys!
this is from Bonnie from the Thrift Store next to Megan’s mom’s
HI
GOD BLESS EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU WHO ARE BEING
TAKEN AWAY FROM YOUR FAMILY’S TO FIGHT ….
GOD BE WITH EACH AND EVERYONE AND COME HOME SAFE…
OUR HEARTS AND THOUGHTS ARE ALWAYS WITH YOU….
HUGS
BONNIE AND EARLE
ok folks, just a week ago, Meagan left us and already has had disappointing news from home. Someone broke into her home and stole her two flat screen tv’s… Where is this world coming to when someone can sacrifice so much already and yet be stolen from. If anyone has any leads, please come forward.
The Tv’s have been returned…!!!!