A rally sponsored by the ETSU ROTC and Pi Kappa Alpha was held Tuesday to allow ETSU students to show their support for the soldiers fighting in the war in Iraq.
Jennifer Smith and Georganna Rosel, two of the organizers of the event, said that there was a decent amount of people that showed up to show their support, especially in between classes, despite the fact that several of the fliers advertising the event had been taken down.
The event featured at least one speaker, Paul Kamolnick, associate professor in the sociology department.
He spoke of the role that people such as educators and members of the media should take in a time of war. He also talked about unity and other things that a nation needs.
“People don’t leave here. They come here,” he said. “Maybe that’s the best evidence of success of a nation.”
There was also a booth set up with scrapbook materials available, so that people passing by could write a personal message to the troops or even to one soldier in particular, if they wished. There was also a digital camera on hand so that a picture could be placed with the message.
Another purpose of the rally was to collect items to send to the troops overseas.
Rosel, who was in the U.S. Marine Corp for five years, said that although they will have to pay for postage, they are trying to go through the National Guard to send the collected items and scrapbook, so the National Guard can send it to a unit that they know is there.
She said that if the National Guard cannot give them a unit, they will send it to one that they can locate.
Smith and Rosel said that they plan to try to collect additional items Monday. The location has not been decided.
Items they are trying to collect include baby wipes, games, cards, books, CDs, cassettes, pre-packaged foods, shaving cream, razors, stamps, sunflower seeds and other items. Rosel said that people should think of what would make them happy and send those items.
Many students were touched by the show of support being given to the troops.
Some even told of uncles and friends that are serving in the Armed Forces when they stopped to write a message.
“Support the troops no matter what,” said Patrick Dunkin.
Rosel’s husband, Randy, who was also in the Marine Corp for five years, felt the same way.
“I feel supporting the troops is part of a civic duty and backing the country whether you agree with it or not,” Randy Rosel said.
Smith said the items and scrapbook would be sent in about two weeks. Anyone interested in sending items to the troops can contact Jennifer Smith at smithj37659@yahoo.com.

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