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Giving back to returning soldiers
Loudoun's business community has banded together to raise money to give a gift of $1,000 to each of the 180 soldiers of Loudoun who have served in Iraq.Leesburg Virginia Army National Guardsmen, about 120 soldiers, serving in Iraq since late August are due to return home very soon, completing duty several months early.
The unit is scheduled to be in Loudoun the week of April 21, according to troops' family members. An exact return date has not been released.
About 30 Leesburg National Army Guard members returned from Iraq in January. The remaining 30 or so soldiers have already returned at another time from Iraq or will return at a later date, fundraising organizers said.
The money would go to all of these soldiers who have served in Iraq.
The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, Loudoun Cares and Loudoun's CEO Cabinet – an interest group that strives to make Loudoun a great place to live -- have raised $100,000 and are looking to raise $80,000 more.
“It's our way for welcoming troops back to the county,” said Telos CEO John Wood, adding that unlike troops who returned from home from Vietnam, Loudoun's troops will be embraced.
Of the $1,000 cash gift the groups are planning for returning troops, Wood said, “It's not as much as it should be, but it shows that Loudoun cares.”
Chamber President Tony Howard said, “We're getting a very good response. We are soliciting restaurant gift certificates that will provide our Guardsmen a night out to share a meal and reconnect with their families.”
The Chamber is working to host a job fair for the returning troops and organizing local businesses to grant discounts to soldiers.
Contributions can be sent to Loudoun Cares, c/o BB&T Bank at 101 Catoctin Circle, Leesburg, VA 20175. Gift certificates and any questions can be directed to the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, 703-777-2176.
The Town of Leesburg, with the Chamber, is organizing a greeting for the troops, which calls on residents and businesses to wave flags and signs along the soldiers' route from Washington International Dulles Airport to the Leesburg Army National Guard Armory.
Virginia Army National Guard representatives would not confirm a date for the troops' return, citing security reasons.
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