1194th Community Service

Courtesy Photo | Part of being a Soldier in the Ohio National Guard not only involves training, but also honoring the sacrifices of those that have served before them and giving back to the communities that they serve.  

CHILLICOTHE, OH, UNITED STATES

05.17.2015

Courtesy Story

1194th Engineer Company (Vertical)

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio--- Part of being a Soldier in the Ohio National Guard not only involves training, but also honoring the sacrifices of those that have served before them and giving back to the communities that they serve.

Soldiers of the Chillicothe based 1194th Engineer Company volunteered on Friday May 15th 2015 to help Mrs. Natalie Wilkins, mother of Lt Charles Wilkins, a unit member killed in Iraq in 2004, in a very special way. Lt. Wilkins was killed when an improvised explosive device exploded near his vehicle near Samarra, Iraq, which lead to the death of another Soldier, SPC Ryan Martin, and wounded four others.
Well over a decade later, his service is still recognized by the unit and Soldiers were more than willing to extend a helping hand to Mrs. Wilkins, who is moving to Arizona to stay with her daughter. Mrs. Wilkins reached out to the Ohio National Guard for any assistance they could provide for her move. When word reached the unit, Soldiers quickly volunteered to help.

The Soldiers spent part of the day helping her pack and preserving his memory by organizing his special belongings and keepsakes. Fellow people of the community began to stop by, and the Soldiers were able to organize unwanted possessions to sell and raised a substantial amount to help offset her moving costs. Whatever she was unable to take with her was graciously donated to the Volunteers of America.

• Date Taken: 05.17.2015
• Date Posted: 05.29.2015 08:44
• Story ID: 164882
• Location: CHILLICOTHE, OH, US