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The words of the day were sacrifice and support - the sacrifice area soldiers make in serving their country, and the different ways area civilians have found to support soldiers and their families.

"It really means a lot," said Capt. Bryan Watters of the Minnesota National Guard.

Representatives of the Guard were in the area Thursday to give tokens of recognition to some of the people and groups who have helped the troops and military families. Stops throughout the afternoon included Lakeview School in Cottonwood, and U.S. Bancorp, Hy-Vee, the Bike Shop and Touching Hearts in Marshall.

The recognitions came in a few different forms. At Lakeview, Watters and National Guard employer relations representative Jim Mitchell awarded the school district with the R.O.S.E. (Recognition of Spouse's Employer) Award. Wendy Hall, a teacher at Lakeview, nominated the school for granting her extended leave to take care of her family while her husband Steve Hall is deployed.

"I wanted to say thank you for the support, and thanks for all the things Lakeview has done for my family," Wendy Hall told school officials Thursday.

A second award, for employers supporting the Guard, was given to Deb Blomme at Touching Hearts Home Care in Marshall. Touching Hearts had been flexible in letting employee Krista Walerius take time to fulfill duties with the Family Readiness Group.

Blomme said offering support for Walerius was really just part of working as a team in a time of need.

"It is very much a team effort," she said. "If Krista needs to fulfill her requirements for what she has to do with the family group, we'll support her."

Hy-Vee and U.S. Bancorp each received thanks for a project they collaborated on last summer. Organizers from both businesses helped mail care packages to Guardsmen deployed in Kuwait, and held a carnival for area military families. Mitchell and Watters presented the businesses with Minnesota state flags that were flown over camp in Kuwait on Veterans Day.

Contributions for the troops didn't necessarily have to be large. At the Bike Shop in Marshall, staff were given recognition for donating parts to fix up bicycles troops could use on base.

"They certainly appreciate it," Watters said. "They don't have their own vehicles," and the bikes are a quicker alternative to walking in 100-degree or higher heat in the Middle East.

Bike Shop owner David Horstmann, like other recipients of Thursday's thank-yous, said it wasn't hard to lend a hand.

"It's pretty easy when they ask, to just give (the parts) to them, because of what they do," Horstmann said. "They requested it, so we were glad to do it."

"We're just glad we could be able to help," added Bike Shop manager Chad Kulla.

Jodi White at U.S. Bancorp said it "really meant a lot" just to be able to help local troops and their families.

"(Compared) with the sacrifices you all make, it's very little," White said.