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Update:  SPC Michael Neighbours will be arriving  today at United Community Bank parking area at GA 400 and Hwy. 53 around 4:15 pm today. He will be arriving in a white Lexus SUV instead of a blue/grey Ford Explorer.

 
Specialist Michael David Neighbours has been stationed at Company 1st Battalion I/26 Infantry Forward Operating Base called Honaker-Miracle near the Pesh River Valley in Kunar, Afghanistan. After serving a year-long tour, Specialist Neighbors is coming home.

During one of many massive attacks on January, 29, 2009, Spec. Neighbours' unwavering courage, aggressiveness, and bravery while under Rocket Propelled Grenadine (RPG) fire were decisive to his company, The Blue Spaders, defeating an enemy attack.

For his courage and bravery, Spec. Neighbours received the Bronze Star with Valor. He was also promoted to Specialist. During a mission later this year, Spec. Neighbours suffered two fractures to his leg, which was treated while he remained on duty, refusing to leave his comrades

Spec. Neighbours is a 21-year-old Dawson native. His proud parents are Kaye and Wayne Neighbours, and his sister and brother-in-law are Vanessa and Michael McBrayer, all of Dawsonville. His grandparents are Bettie and the late Dean Neighbours of Jasper and Lester and Shirley Shirley of Sallisaw, OK.

Spec. Neighbours is an infantryman specializing in Mortar combat. He completed basic training in Fort Benning, Georgia and is stationed in Fort Hood, Texas between tours. He completed air assault training in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

He has faced many hardships and battles while in Afghanistan. Often enduring rat infestations, months without a shower, and periods of time with little or no food, he trudged on in courageous efforts to protect his country from terrorism.  His future plans are to hopefully attend ranger training in Fort Stuart, Georgia.

After his enlistment of four years is completed, he hopes to attend the University of Georgia and study politics. During his time home, he plans to make up for missed birthdays and Christmas' and celebrate with friends and family.

On July 24, Spec. Neighbours will be arriving at GA Hwy. 400 and Hwy. 53 at 4:15 pm where he will be escorted by the Dawson County Sheriff's Deputies from the intersection of 400 and 53 to the Dawson County Chamber of Commerce. He will be greeted and welcomed by city and county officials, as well as Veterans. He will then be escorted to his by Dawson County Sheriff's Deputies on to his residence off of Hwy. 53, just past Handy Corner.

All citizens of Dawson County are encouraged to line the streets to welcome this Dawsonville hero home.  Please put out Yellow Ribbons and display our American Flag.  Bill Sexton and the Viet Nam Veterans of America will have the American Flags lining the road on Hwy. 53 in downtown Dawsonville.

Let us show Specialist Neighbour the respect and honor he has so rightfully earned and deserves. Please show your patriotism and support for our Active Military.

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