Military support march draws record number, surpasses goal

By Christian Hill | The Olympian • Published September 09, 2007

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LACEY – Shane Grimes will know many lonely days until her husband returns from Iraq a year from now.

• Photo Gallery: Lacey Military Family Support March 2007

Saturday wasn't one of them.

Her spirits were lifted as she joined nearly 2,000 people a record turnout during the fifth annual Military Family Support March. Many participants held U.S. flags that fluttered under the clear, blue sky as they walked the mile-long route that started and ended at Wal-Mart.

"This really did touch my heart. When I started walking through the parking lot, I started tearing up," she said. "It's tough, but I know a lot of people support us. It's greatly appreciated."

Her husband, Wayne, a helicopter pilot who deployed with the 4th Squadron, 6th U.S. Air Cavalry Regiment based at Fort Lewis, left in June. Their 5-year-old daughter, Eden, held a picture of her father during the march as Grimes pushed 2-year-old son Owen in his stroller.

"It makes us feel good and proud of living here and proud of what we do," Grimes said of the march.

That sense of pride was on full display for this community within a community of families who toil quietly as their loved ones are off fighting a war. Family members wore T-shirts bearing loved ones' military units or pictures. Several children wore fatigues to emulate a parent. And people said they took satisfaction in knowing they are doing their small part to serve their country, even if that entails sacrifices and hardships at home.

"Every day, every phone call is a stress, and I dread seeing people in uniform in my driveway," said Marie Laurence, a Lacey resident whose husband, Kevin, deployed with the Fort Lewis-based 4th Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team), his second tour in Iraq. "You kind of learn to deal with it, but it's constant."

The Rotary Club of Hawks Prairie and its volunteers organized the first march in 2003 to provide relief to families encountering financial challenges as a result of a deployment.