Guardsmen deserve more fanfare

To the editor:

I want to thank the Southeast Missourian for the article on "Local Guard soldiers return to U.S." What was noted by the wife of a Cape Girardeau soldier is true. There were interviews, updates, fanfares and TV coverage at each stop when the area troops came home 1 1/2 years ago. These seven guys from Cape Girardeau and seven from Dexter left about six months later with no fanfare when sent and now no fanfare as they come home. Thank goodness they were mixed in with the group from Fort Leonard Wood and will be welcomed home Thursday at Jefferson City. I bet there will be ribbons, TV, radio and lots of cameras. My brother is one of those seven coming back to the Cape area. He has been missed for a year by his wife, kids, parents, brothers, sister and friends, just like all the other men who have made it home safely with God's help. We are proud of him. Thanks again for your article again.

PEARLA SMITH, Jackson