Soldiers to ring in New Year in NYC
WOUNDED WARRIORS: Group from Fort Drum to be in Times Square
By SARAH M. RIVETTE
TIMES STAFF WRITER
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2008
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A A A FORT DRUM — A group of 36 soldiers and spouses will get the VIP treatment for New Year's Eve in New York City.
The soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 85th Infantry, Warrior in Transition Unit on Fort Drum will be escorted around Brooklyn and Manhattan, getting tours by the New York Police Department of Rockefeller Center and the Catholic Ward Veterans Hall. They then will be ushered into a special corner of Times Square tonight where they can watch the ball drop and welcome in 2009.
"I've never been to New York City and this will even be the first time I've ever watched the ball drop. I've never even watched it on television," Spc. Craig S. Tybring said. "I never would have gone there if I didn't have the escort and the sectioned-off area. For me, with my knee injury, I wouldn't have been able to stand and get pushed around, I would end up under the feet of 50,000 other people."
That's what is most important to the soldiers who are going. They are getting a chance to experience one of the most recognizable New Year's celebrations just like someone without an injury.
"Going down there means a lot to me because half of the people in our company have trouble getting around," Spc. Rowena C. Clifford said. "This is them helping us out and showing us that we can still do things and we can still be a part of something like this."
Spc. Clifford's husband, Sgt. Douglas E. Clifford, also is in 3-85, and both will go on the trip sponsored and organized by the Wounded Warrior Project. Sgt. and Spc. Clifford met while stationed at Fort Drum and were married in October, and this is an opportunity for the newlyweds to share something special.
"We've only been married for a few months, so this is something really great that we get to do together," Sgt. Clifford said.
As for New Year's resolutions, Sgt. Clifford intends to help out around the house and do more dishes.
"I did all the laundry yesterday, actually, but I'm going to make more of an effort to pay her back for how well she takes care of me," he said.
All of the soldiers from 3-85 left Fort Drum early today and will check into a hotel in Brooklyn. From there they will be escorted to Catholic Ward Veteran Hall, where they will have dinner. The highlight of the night is being able to stand in Times Square with a group of other wounded soldiers brought from Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, D.C., and watch the ball drop.
"I'm originally from Long Island, so I've been in and around New York City most of my life," Capt. Roy S. Chiquito said. "When you are from there, this is not something you do because you know all about the crowds — but going as a part of this group makes me fortunate. It's going to be very memorable for us."
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This power chair bound veteran can understand this SALUTE to the people that make trips like this happen for the troops and their families
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Soldiers to ring in New Year in NYC
