Local unit preparing for Iraq duty, Red Cross provides Marines with a send-off, offers of support.
Some of Palm Beach's finest are to be sent from the sun-kissed tropical beaches of South Florida to the sand-scoured landscape of Mesopotamia — a place that can only be described as "different."
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By ZOE McDANIEL
Special to the Daily News
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
The 4th ANGLICO Marine Corps Reserve Unit, renowned for its role in performing the color guard ceremony for the annual Red Cross Ball and stationed in West Palm Beach, has been called upon to aid its peers locked in battle in Iraq.
Tuesday was a time to be with family and loved ones, and for the occasion the American Red Cross held a celebration in their honor. Whether it was a bounce house for their children or a reassuring and inspirational speaker for both the troops and their relatives, everyone had support.
The 4th ANGLICO is currently the longest-serving of all Marine reserve units in the Iraq war.
ANGLICO stands for Air-Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. The units specialize in coordinating artillery, naval gunfire and close air support between Marine, Navy and Army units.
One member of the unit is Staff Sgt. Robert Locy, who serves in civilian life as a Palm Beach firefighter-paramedic and established the local color guard.
Of his comrades, Locy said, "these are my brothers, we are a big family. I could go to Alaska, be greeted by a Marine and embrace him as my brother."
On Tuesday, the American Red Cross wished members of the unit farewell and good luck, as well as pledging to support and connect their families across continents. The days of old — in which going to war meant going out of contact — is long over. The Red Cross will transport packages, deliver messages, and even record personal videos, acting as a telegraph wire to keep the soldiers and loved ones in touch.
Also in attendance were Bill and Nancy Rollnick, who chair the Palm Beach County Red Cross division.
"This is emotional for us to know these men who were escorting us (at the Red Cross Ball) were being deployed." Nancy Rollnick said. "It brought the reality of the Red Cross down onto us."
Naturally, a day set apart for families could not be complete without family itself. Smiling babies clad in matching fatigues and spouses with love and pride shining in their eyes all attended to learn and share with their personal heroes before saying farewell.