AUBURN -- A bus carrying a group of soldiers from Cayuga County stopped just briefly in Auburn this morning. But it gave folks enough time to say good-bye. For many - that meant bidding farewell to complete strangers.
"I do not know anyone on the bus - I do think it's very, very important to be here though," said Connie Reilley.
"I think it's my obligation to come and show my support," said Arthur Thomas.
That support came from many people who know first hand the sacrifices soldiers and their families make during times of war. Karen Pinckney told me her son is currently serving overseas -- and he's constantly on her mind.
"A big huge piece of your heart is gone until they return. It's just very hard when you have family in the military," she said.
The emotional send-off hit close to home for 78-year-old Lyell Brown. He served in the Korean War back in the early 1950's and said being there for these troops is part of being an American.
"I've seen more than I needed to see. As a military person, you know what they're going to be going through, so you want them to know that we'll be there for them regardless of what happens," he said.
The troops aren't off to Iraq just yet. They still need to complete more training in the United States. Deployment is set for late Spring/early Summer.
