As they prepared to deploy to Afghanistan, a local U.S. Army National Guard unit received a honorary luncheon from American Legion Post 12 on Saturday.
Soldiers from the Norwalk-based Alpha Company 1st Battalion 102nd Infantry will receive their official send-off in a ceremony from the state of Connecticut at an undisclosed time but said they valued the small, local ceremony.
"It shows that people out there support us and still appreciate what soldiers do," said Spc. Danny Torres.
Congressman Jim Himes, D-4, Mayor Richard A. Moccia, state Sen. Toni Boucher, R-26, state Rep. Christopher Perone, D-137, and Lt. Gov. Michael Fedele attended the event to voice support for the troops. Himes said he was honored and humbled to speak with the troops.
"You go out there and literally risk everything," he told them.
Sgt. Nick Marsan, who is also a firefighter for the Westport Fire Department, and Sgt. Edwin Rivera said their superiors provided them with the literature, training and motivation needed to prepare for their upcoming deployment.
"You generate layers of skin when you go through training," Rivera said.
Capt. Pete Pollard, co-commander of the unit said this will be the first tour of Afghanistan for many of the soldiers, but they are well-prepared for the battle.
"The guys have a job to do, and they're ready to do it," Pollard.