QUITMAN — A Saturday morning ceremony honoring the 150th Combat Engineer Battalion of the Mississippi Army National Guard offered words of admiration and accolades from several state officials.

But it was the tear-filled acknowledgement from a bank official that seemed to best convey the sentiment of those gathered.

“We are so grateful to you,” said Peggy Doggett, vice president of Great Southern National Bank. “You have gone beyond the call of duty — not only for your country, but you are also soldiers of your God.”

Seven members from the Mississippi Army National Guard unit stood attentively during their moment of praise.

“With all the negative news you hear about Iraq and the military, we wanted to do something positive and we’re doing so by honoring these members of the 150th Engineering Battalion here in Quitman,” said Frank Burt, bank president. “This is just a small token of our appreciation for what you do and the service that you perform.”

There to share in the festivities were State Sen. Videt Carmichael, R-Meridian, and state representatives Eric Robinson, R-Quitman, and Greg Snowden, R-Meridian.

“Those we’re honoring today represent the very best men and women this state and nation have to offer to the world,” Robinson said.

“They have proven to be courageous and unselfish in their devotion to the task they were assigned. Members of the Mississippi National Guard have been praised all over this country as one of the top performing guard and reserve units to go to war in Iraq.”

Snowden also praised the unit, noting that their time in Iraq was for something greater than service to flag and country.

Robinson and Snowden signed a certificate of appreciation to present to the engineering battalion.

In his expression of appreciation, Carmichael recognized the Mississippi Army National Guard for “always being there.”

“We’ve always had our National Guard and Reserve, but in recent years you’ve been brought to the forefront. You train just like the åregular Army’ as we call it, and you know as much — or more — as they do. So we didn’t need to bring the regular Army in,” Carmichael said.

“You’re our neighbors, our husbands and wives, mothers and fathers. There’s not a person in this state who has not somehow been touched by someone who has served,” he said. “You make us proud and no matter what, we know you are there to serve — whether it’s a hurricane or in time of war. You’re always there for us and we thank you for that.”