Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan | More than 170 Soldiers of the North Carolina National Guard’s A Battery, 1st...... read more read more
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Nearly 170 North Carolina National Guard Soldiers of A Battery, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery, based in Lincolnton, N.C., were welcomed home by their community at a ceremony at the Lincolnton’s Citizen Center, July 17, 2016.
Family, friends, employers, leaders and citizens of Lincoln County supported their hometown Soldier for this their third deployment in defense of state and nation since the attacks of 9/11.
“Welcome home, you have so much to be proud of as protectors of the United States,” said Army Brig. Gen. James Ernst, NCNG assistant adjutant general - maneuver.
This ceremony with military band, prayer, speeches, applause, hugs and cheers took place in a town with many flags flying and grateful citizens.
“It means a lot to Lincolnton to know you are there for us,” said Lincolnton Mayor Ed Hatley.
The Soldiers march in formation for the ceremony and filled row after row of chairs as children pointed excitedly at their loved one honored for their service overseas. The mayor and Ernst praised the Soldiers for their commitment and dedication.
A folded North Carolina state flag the unit flew at their base overseas is returned to Ernst by Army Capt. Bradley Murray, commander of the battery, at the end of the ceremony. Local press interviewed Soldiers after the ceremony to share their story.
“We have been through a lot together,” said Murray.
The unit’s men and women deployed to the Kingdom of Bahrain for Operation Inherent Resolve supporting military police missions and conducted convoy security operations for logistical supply movements and multinational forces. While deployed, they served with a joint force of a few thousand Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine personnel and civilian contractors.
| Date Taken: | 07.17.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 07.19.2016 18:33 |
| Story ID: | 204419 |
| Location: | LINCOLNTON, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 353 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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