Photo By Capt. David Chace | Friends and family, fellow Soldiers, civic leaders turn out for the deployment...... read more read more
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RALEIGH, N.C. – “Thank you,” something one hears from an acquaintance or coworker when you open a door or a give kind word. When it comes from friends, family, mayors, and senior state leaders after more than a decade of conflict it means a little more.
Those thanks came in abundance at the ceremony honoring their deployment to Kuwait held for the unit at NCNG Headquarters, in Raleigh, N.C., Jan. 16, 2015.
“When the deployments began the ‘thank you’ was well received but now after thirteen years of war it is more heartfelt, it means more,” said Army Chief Warrant Officer 4 James Gullett, commander of the Morrisville-based North Carolina National Guard Detachment 1, Company B, 638th Aviation Support Battalion.
Thanks for service in defense of state and nation came from U.S. Representative David Price.
“You have direct impact on our safety and security,” said Price.
Morrisville Mayor Mark Stohlman recounted the need for that security. He listed those attacked by terrorists starting with those lost here at home on 9-11 and continued with the recent attacks on school girls in Africa, journalists in France, relief workers in the Middle East and so many others worldwide.
“Never forget,” said Stohlman.
Frank L. Perry, secretary of the N.C. Department of Public Safety, echoed this. His praise was not just for service but being willing to fight against an enemy capable of attacks across the globe and here at home.
“I admire you for having our backs in a mean and dangerous world,” said Perry.
There was one other group in the auditorium’s audience earning praise at the ceremony. Those who will miss their loved one at home.
“Special thanks to the families for their service,” said Stohlman.
After the ceremony the Soldiers, friends and family gathered in the atrium for hugs, quick photos and more hugs. More training awaits the Soldiers then on to Kuwait to keep deployed Apache AH-64 attack helicopters ready to fly and fight.
“It is just like the mission here back at Morrisville, they will be doing in theater,” said Gullett.
One member of the audience did point out one difference on their mission the day before to her pre-kindergarten class.
“Daddy is going really far,” said the daughter of Army Sgt. George Gazeley.
| Date Taken: | 01.16.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 01.21.2015 15:22 |
| Story ID: | 152400 |
| Location: | RALEIGH, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 132 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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