Soldiers salute cities over utility-bill relief

HIGHLAND — Soldiers and their families had plenty to worry about over the past few months, so it was nice not to have to fret over paying the city utility bill.

"We appreciate you cities who have given some relief to these families," said Sgt. 1st Class Joseph Bowcutt at the Highland City Council meeting on May 4.

Bowcutt and Annette Barnes, family assistance coordinator for the Utah National Guard's 1457th Engineer Combat Battalion, presented the council with a plaque as a thank-you gift for the bill abatement. They duo will be making similar visits to other participating communities in the valley.

Barnes said most of the communities in Utah County — Lindon, Eagle Mountain, Highland, American Fork, Alpine, Pleasant Grove, Orem, Provo, Spanish Fork and Saratoga Springs — either waived or reduced the utility bills for soldiers who served in operation "Iraqi Freedom."

For most of the cities, the loss in revenue amounted to several thousand dollars, approximately $1,000 a year for up to 20 families in Lindon, for instance.

Gretchen Bowcutt, Bowcutt's wife and an assistant family coordinator, said not only was the financial burden lifted a little by the cities' collective efforts, but it boosted morale to know that fellow citizens and officials cared about the sacrifice that military families were making.

"Oh, yes, it was a significant difference. Everyone was really glad for the support," Bowcutt said.

One hundred and six soldiers from the Utah County area served in the 1457th unit. All but one group has come home, and the rear detachment is expected to return mid-month, Bowcutt said.

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