What better Christmas present can one ask for than to have their loved ones close to them?

This past Friday, members from the Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes and Drums met in West Chester for the 2-hour drive to Lima, Ohio.  There we welcomed back 70 National Guard members returning from a year deployment in Kuwait.  They were responsible for vehicle maintenance in Kuwait with combat security patrols into Iraq.

The event was absolutely amazing, watching the heroes’ buses being escorted by the Ohio State police up to the Lima Civic Center, then getting off the bus to the cheers of family and friends that would make any person in attendance proud.  Alex, Mark, "Angus" Allendorf, and James, along with Jim Nickel from the Miami Valley Pipes and Drums played "The Caisson' Go Rolling Along" as they lead the company into the hall.   Gwynne, our "band mom", constant companion, and helper, and our official photographer, Bill Allendorf, were also in attendance and performed superbly (click here to see some of Bill's photos).

Governor Ted Strickland sent a video to welcome the men home, and there were representatives from U.S. Senators Voinovich and Sherrod Brown as well as the state representatives from the local area.  The commanding officer noted that this group had the highest readiness rate in the conflict so far, and that his men were awarded numerous awards including four Bronze Stars*.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the heroes marched around the hall as "Scotland the Brave" was played for them.

Needless to say, we are more successful due to the support of several who do not play but without them we would be less effective.  As a 501 C-3, we have an obligation to support the community, and what better way than to pipe our heroes back into the arms of their families.

God Bless them, and our United States of America.

* The Bronze Star Medal is a United States Armed Forces individual military decoration which may be awarded for bravery, acts of merit, or meritorious service. When awarded for bravery, it is the fourth-highest combat award of the U.S. Armed Forces and the 9th highest military award in the order of precedence of U.S. military decorations.

Congratulations to pipers Steve Coyne, Andy Douglas, and Mark Morton on being upgraded from grade 4 to grade 3 after a successful 2008 competition season! For 2009, all 3 pipers will need to add to their repertoires: a jig, a strathspey and reel set, and a full piobaireachd in order to compete in all grade 3 events.

The Cincinnati Caledonian Pipes and Drums Band was invited to perform at US Bank Arena in honor of Police and Fire Appreciation Day on December 12th.  Six pipers and six drummers attended the event.  The band started off playing in the stands initially, and eventually marched and played around the arena just prior to the matchup between the Cyclones and the Wheeling Nailers.  After the performance, the band retired to the bar and grill overlooking the south end of the ice to watch the Cyclones lose 2 to 6.  Despite the loss, a good time was had by all.

Click here to view pictures from the event.  Thanks to Bill Allendorf for providing these shots!