WAOW - Newsline 9, Wausau News, Weather, SportsGrandparents organize special troop homecoming with yellow ribbons

Grandparents organize special troop homecoming with yellow ribbons

by Colby Robertson

RHINELANDER (WAOW) -- The community of Rhinelander is getting ready to welcome home members of the 951st Sapper Unit with thousands of yellow ribbons.

The families aren't sure exactly when the troops will arrive home to Rhinelander, but they've been told they should be home this month hopefully just in time for Thanksgiving.

When you drive into Rhinelander you're greeted by these yellow ribbons starting at the Rhinelander Oneida County Airport and ending at the High School seven miles away.

LeRoy Eades says, "Why are we doing it? Showing support to our troops to let them know that we're behind them as a community."

Shirley and LeRoy's Grandson Kevin is a 2000 Rhinelander High School graduate and member of the 951st Sapper Engineer Company.

LeRoy says, "This is his second tour. His first tour was in Iraq and this tour now is in Afghanistan."

With help from volunteers Shirley and LeRoy placed nearly a thousand yellow ribbons throughout the Rhinelander community.

Shirley says, "It wasn't hard work putting them up. It was just a pleasure to go out and do this for him. It's just fun and the whole community decorates their yard and threes and it's just wonderful to have everybody help like this."

You can find them on road signs, downtown and on these trees outside the High School. The ribbons are all up; now the families are just waiting for the phone call to say they're home. Of course everyone is hoping the good news comes before the holidays.

Shirley says, "We'll just be so happy to have him home for Thanksgiving. To be home with his sisters and Uncles and mom and dad and everyone. It will just be wonderful to do this for him and have him home with us."

The troops will also be welcomed home with a parade. The plan is to line the streets where the ribbons are with welcome home banners and signs.

Online Reporter: Colby Robertson