Foley National Guard veterans came together in a reunion to commemorate the two-decade milestone since their deployment to Iraq and subsequent safe return.

Members of Company C of the 711th Signal Battalion, comprised of Foley and Bay Minette residents, gathered on Saturday, Jan. 28, at the National Guard armory in Foley to celebrate the 20th anniversary of their deployment to Iraq and safe return. The city of Foley sponsored the event, underscoring the community's commitment to honoring its veterans.

The unit, called to active service in January 2004, concluded its mission in Iraq and returned home in February 2005. Despite the challenges faced during deployment, all 122 unit members returned safely, a testament to the dedication and leadership within Company C.

Teddy Taylor, the first sergeant of C Company during their deployment to Iraq, lauded the unit's exceptional performance.

“Company C, 711 Signal Battalion, Foley and Bay Minette was the best unit over there. I don’t mind telling anybody. We must have been the best soldiers or the best company, because we were sent up north. All the way up there,” he said.

Taylor emphasized the importance of the safety of the soldiers. He said that all 122 unit members deployed to Iraq returned safely.

“I worried so much about my soldiers,” he said. “I prayed so much while I was over there not to let anything happen to my soldiers because I did not want to go to a mama or a daddy or wife or whatever it might be. I didn’t want to do that and I thank God for that.”

He expressed deep gratitude for the honor of serving as the unit's first sergeant, acknowledging the support of fellow soldiers, leadership and the community.

“I was so proud to be your first sergeant. Through our leadership and through all of you supporting us, we made it happen and that’s a good thing. I can’t tell you enough about that,” he said. “I can’t thank y’all enough. You have been so awesome to me, the colonel and the United States of America. I can’t thank you enough for that and I appreciate it so much.”

Highlighting the crucial role played by family members and the community, Taylor added, “We had the best support group in Foley and Bay Minette, and I appreciate them so much.”

Col. Fred “Berkley” Shirah, who commanded the company as a captain in 2004, echoed Taylor's sentiments during the reunion. He particularly praised the support from local officials present at the event, including Jo Bonner, the current president of the University of South Alabama and former U.S. congressman representing the Foley area in 2004, and Tim Russell, retired Baldwin County probate judge and Foley mayor at the time.

“Thank you so much for your years of support for the citizens, to the community, to soldiers, and to veterans,” Shirah said to Bonner and Russell. “It is really appreciated and it has not gone unnoticed.”

Shirah recalled a pivotal moment of support from Russell during the unit's deployment announcement.

“He said we want to help you,” Shirah stated.  “You’re not in this alone, and we’ll get through this together. I remember that to this day, and I really appreciate it.”

Bonner acknowledged the community's role in the company's success.

“Everyone here remembers the support you received from your city as well as the bonds of friendship you all formed, the ones that brought you back here today. Everyone knows, without having to be reminded, that Foley is a red, white and blue town,” Bonner said. “It was 20 years ago when you paraded to the football stadium at Foley High School, greeted by thousands of friends, supporters and loved ones. You could literally feel the love and support in the air. It was real.”