Local soldier leaves for duty
Staff reporter
It was cold the afternoon of Dec. 30, when members of American Legion Riders Post 22, Marion, took to the streets to give a local soldier a proper send-off.
After a ride from Eastmoor United Methodist Church to the Marion VFW Post on West Santa Fe Street, the families gathered at the post.
Kansas Army National Guard Lt. Brandon "Luke" Kimbrel of Marion, left Jan. 1 for training before his deployment to Iraq. The local Legion Riders wanted to give the 10-year veteran well-wishes and pay their respects.
Kimbrel, the son of Tom and Regina Kimbrel of Marion, reported to Camp McGregor in New Mexico. By mid-January or so, he will be deployed for the second time to Iraq.
He hopes to be gone only 10 months but there are no guarantees when the husband and father of two will return.
Local Legion Rider director Gary Chaput told the soldier that the unit will be here for him and his family, and await his return.
"We're here to send you off and we'll be here to welcome you home," Chaput said.
Kimbrel received a banner that was signed by the Legion Riders and those in attendance Sunday afternoon, and other momentos from the occasion.
Also in attendance at the special reception were Marion Mayor Mary Olson and post commander Roger "Bud" Hannaford.
Kimbrel serves with Bravo Company of the 1st Battalion of the 179th Field Infantry in the 45th Brigade.
He and wife Becca have two children, Debra and Paul, and recently moved to Marion.
Legion Riders first ride
The Dec. 30 send-off was the first official action by the newly formed Legion Riders. Previously the members rode with the American Legion Riders Post 366, Hillsboro.
The Marion group was chartered Nov. 30 and has 14 members.
Director Chaput said new members are welcome.
"Legion Riders have to be legionnaires (served in a foreign war), or members of the Sons of the American Legion or the American Legion Auxiliary," Chaput said.
Members who signed up in November or new members who join before Feb. 29 will be considered charter members.
"Our main purpose is to provide support to the local (military) community," Chaput said.
The group sends packages to military personnel who are stationed overseas, and provides receptions for those who join the armed forces, or are deployed overseas as military personnel.
Jim Wilson serves as the organization's assistant director, Todd Carpenter is road captain and sergeant of arms, Kevin Hoffer is assistant road captain, Peggy Wilson is secretary, Karen Chaput is treasurer, and Tom and Audrey McLinden are in charge of membership and are veterans association representatives.
Anyone interested in joining should contact one of the officers.
