NC Guard Soldiers' deployment ceremony in Lincolnton

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan | The community turns out for Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery during their mobilization ceremony held at the James W. Warren Citizens Center in Lincolnton, N.C., March 28. The Soldiers are deploying to Bahrain in support of U.S. Navy Central Command’s ongoing mission in the region. “I have never seen any place like Lincolnton, the outgoing respect and support,” said Capt. Bradley J. Murray, commander of the battery.  

LINCOLNTON, NC, UNITED STATES

03.28.2015

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan    

North Carolina National Guard

LINCOLNTON, N.C. - Nearly 160 North Carolina National Guard Soldiers of Alpha Battery, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery marched to the applause, cheers and tears of friends, family and neighbors at their mobilization ceremony held at the James W. Warren Citizens Center in Lincolnton, North Carolina, March 28.

The Soldiers are deploying to Bahrain in support of U.S. Navy Central Command’s ongoing mission in the region.

“Every Soldier in the unit has enlisted in time of war, there is no greater act of courage,” said Army Brig. Gen. James C. Ernst, North Carolina National Guard assistant adjutant general-maneuver, to the crowd at the center.

Before the ceremony, local Boy Scouts welcomed the more than 700 visitors to the center. Flags were waved by kids of all ages. Veterans of previous wars thanked the men and women of the unit. News media interviewed young mothers as they held small children. Red Cross volunteers handed out homemade treats.

“I have never seen any place like Lincolnton, the outgoing respect and support,” said Capt. Bradley J. Murray, commander of the battery.

This outpouring of support is not reserved for just the Soldiers.

“It is not just one hug or one call but everyone being willing to help out,” said Danielle Stroud, the wife of Spc. Adrian Stroud.

The community is no stranger to their sons and daughters deploying. This is the third time they have answered the nation’s call. The previous two times were for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 and 2009.

As part of the dual mission of the National Guard, the Solders were activated in 2012 to support the Democratic National Convention. Their mission was to secure key facilities throughout the city of Charlotte and be prepared to react should civil unrest present itself.

• Date Taken: 03.28.2015
• Date Posted: 04.01.2015 20:41
• Story ID: 158878
• Location: LINCOLNTON, NC, US