Unofficially serving, supporting and assisting the soldiers during two major deployments, the first in 2004, and again in 2010, the future and constant need for an organization’s existence became very clear. With an imperative need to pay back to our soldier’s for their service and sacrifice, Friends of the 278th was born and has been working very hard ever since. Our organization works very closely with the 278th ACR and understands the demands placed on our military, and the impact those demands can have on their personal lives. Unlike full time military, the Army National Guard members give their weekends to serve, along with trying to maintain full time employment outside the scopes of military duties, yet are ready for the call to action anytime. With hard economic times, and the interruptions of full time deployments, many of the soldiers and their families have suffered stressful job losses, and great financial hardships. Friends of the 278th is there to help and support these soldiers for whatever need may arise. Funded solely from private and business donations, our assistance thus far has supplied funds for things such as rent, utilities, medical bills, transportation and groceries. With roughly 5,000 soldiers across the state of Tennessee, Friends of the 278th strives to bring awareness to their sacrifice and service; as well as the impact deployments bring to the area in which we live.