RALEIGH, N.C. – Soldiers, families and retirees came together to commemorate the inauguration of the North Carolina National Guard’s Austin-Bouton-Cardwell chapter of the U.S. Army Ordnance Corps Association during a ceremony May 17 in Raleigh, North Carolina.
“Today is a historic moment for the North Carolina National Guard’s first ever ordnance chapter as we publicly announce the founding of the Austin-Bouton-Cardwell chapter,” said 1st Sgt. Jeffery Parker, the chapter’s president. “Our goal is to establish a foundation that the next generation can build on, a foundation rich in history and traditions.”
The chapter was named after an officer, Major General Beth Austin, a warrant officer, Chief Warrant Officer 5 Jack Cardwell and a non-commissioned officer, Sgt. Maj. Ernest Bouton.
Parker said the name was created this was to ensure all ranks know the chapter belongs to them.
“We want all to feel welcome to join this community,” he said.
The association is open to anyone associated with the Ordnance Corps in the North Carolina National Guard and Parker hopes that the community will foster comradery among its members and give soldiers a way to share knowledge about their profession.