Goodrich – No one would have expected it’d be so hard to get a hero’s welcome.
It’s a dilemma Kristin Frankart faces as she anticipates the homecoming of her husband, Spc. Troy Frankart, who’s been stationed with the Ohio National Guard 216th Engineer Battalion in Iraq.
The battalion is expected to return to the U.S. in mid-February. Kristin and spouses of others deployed are seeking donations to welcome their 130 soldiers back home.
After serving in the U.S. Army, Troy was sent to Iraq with the Ohio National Guard in February 2003, coming home for a few days in June 2004 for the birth of his son Jake. The couple also has a daughter, Lexi, who’s nearly 2.
Kristin moved from Ohio to her hometown of Goodrich to be near family after Troy’s deployment.
The Frankarts will remain in the Goodrich area, where Troy will look for employment when he returns from his tour of duty.
Although it’s difficult to tote two tiny children in the cold to round up donations, Kristin’s doing her best.
She’s surprised at the response.
‘They’re part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, but a lot of businesses say ‘We already gave.??
‘People don’t understand this is an ongoing thing. Our husbands are coming home and they deserve a hero’s welcome. This is a problem that’s going to be ongoing for a few years as soldiers come home.?
As the day of Troy’s return gets closer, the Frankart family can hardly wait.
At the thought of seeing her dad, whom the little girl is used to viewing in pictures, Lexi grabs her coat and shoes and runs to the door, says Kristin, for whom the separation has dragged on.
‘I’m so excited,? she said. ‘It’s been a long year. Once I see him it’s all going to be a breath of fresh air.?
The Ohio National Guard 216th Engineer Battalion Family Support Group is seeking donations of gift certificates and money to put together welcome bags for the soldiers.
Details: Call Kristin Frankart at (810) 636-2432 or send an e-mail to KristinFrankart@hotmail.com or jessica@forsythe.net.