Local tennis group brings sport to US troops

Southern Crescent Tennis Association (SCTA), in conjunction with USTA, participated in the USTA pilot program, “Adopt A Unit,” providing portable tennis equipment to troops deployed in Afghanistan.

SCTA was invited by the United States Tennis Association to participate in the program to show support to troops by providing them with portable tennis equipment, personal items, and letters from home to help provide the unit with recreational opportunities.

SCTA adopted two separate units, the Army National Guard Roughriders, with Garrison Headquarters located in Calhoun, GA, and the Army Reserve 372nd Engineer Brigade out of MN.  The two units were selected for their ties with the local area – The Roughriders for their proximity to SCTA and the 372nd Engineer Brigade for the local connection…one of our tennis players is currently deployed with the unit.

On Saturday, March 13, over two dozen volunteers converged on Mellow Mushroom restaurant in Peachtree City to package the items for shipment. Volunteers included the wife and sons of a deployed soldier.

The Roughriders are part of the 108th Cavalry Regiment and are a Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition squadron of the 48th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Georgia Army National Guard.  The unit is currently concentrated on training Afghan National Security Forces.

The 372nd Engineer Brigade is a combat engineer brigade of the United States Army.  Recently converted from the 372nd Engineer Group which traces its lineage back to WWII, the brigade was activated in September 2008.  Their mission includes mentorship to the Afghan National Army.