Moses Lake shows support for troops

- Staff Report

Herald

Soldiers honored with concert

MOSES LAKE - Soldiers from the Ephrata and Moses Lake National Guard Units toured through their cities on Monday as part of a celebration for the troops leaving for Iraq.

About 80 soldiers from Moses Lake-based Bravo 1-161 Infantry Unit leave tomorrow for training, and the about 175 soldiers from Ephrata-based 1161st deploy in February.

The event was meant to draw out the community and show support for the troops, said Joy Haug.

The parade started at 4 p.m. and ran through Moses Lake from the intersection of Interstate 90 down Broadway Avenue and up Stratford Drive to the Grant County Fairgrounds.

It culminated with a benefit concert by Linda Lanier to support the families of the soldiers, during their deployment.

Republican governor candidate Dino Rossi and state Rep. Judy Warnick, R-Moses Lake, gave speeches in support of the troops at the show.

"I thought it would be nice for the community to get involved," Haug said. "It took the community to do this."

Haug said she hopes the community will continue to stay involved with both the troops and the area families.