Soldiers from the 548th Transportation Company of Trenton, who served in Afghanistan and other deployments, received various awards during a Saturday night program. The Army National Guard held the "Freedom Salute" ceremony at the Ketcham Community Center, with awards also presented to those "showing support for the unit".

Seventy-eight soldiers were recognized for their FIRST deployment. They received an encased flag, a minuteman coin, two lapel pins, a large medal, and a "Defender of Freedom" certificate.

Thirty-nine soldiers were recognized for their SECOND deployment. They received a certificate of appreciation, a clock for their spouse, and an order form to receive a freedom ring.

Seven soldiers were recognized for at least THREE deployments. They received a pictured "Defender of Freedom" plaque. Retired First Sergeant with the 548th, Chad Smith, served as Master of Ceremonies for the program, and he announced the names of the seven:

Click here to listen to Chad Smith

Staff Sergeant Bratsberg and Sergeant Farmer are from Trenton, Staff Sergeant Thomas is from St. Joseph (and formerly of Trenton), Sergeant McKinney is from Princeton, Sergeant Villegas is from Albany, Sergeant First Class Nichols is from Kansas City, and Sergeant Jobe is from Lexington. Some of those soldiers have been deployed as many as five times, although the names of those soldiers were not available.

The 548th presented several awards to those that support the unit:

Click here to listen to Chad Smith

She was described as one who "conducted drives" to send food and coffee to the soldiers. The city of Trenton, specifically, was presented a "Distinguished Center of Influence" award:

Click here to listen to Chad Smith

Sergeant First Class Christine Chaney presented American flags to the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars:

Click here to listen to Christine Chaney

Sergeant Chaney also presented a flag to Retired First Sergeant Smith:

Click here to listen to Christine Chaney

Sergeant Smith thanked the soldiers in the 548th Transportation Company:

Click here to listen to Chad Smith

Staff Sergeant Michael Thomas, during the invocation and benediction, gave thanks for protection, guidance, and looking out for the families. He also asked for protection for those currently fighting overseas.