North Carolina National Guard Leaders and Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 130th Theater Finance Battalion, also known as the “Tarheel Paymasters”, conducted a mobilization ceremony at Jordan-Matthews High School in Siler City, N.C., Sept. 13, 2026. The ceremony officially kicked off the unit’s mobilization in support of U.S. Central Command’s Operation Spartan Shield.
Theater finance battalions are specialized U.S. Army Finance Corps units that manage money, banking, and payments during large military operations. The 130th has endured over a year of intensive training to prepare for this deployment, and that training is part of its legacy; this deployment adds to that heritage.
“For more than a quarter century, the Soldiers of the 130th have provided financial management support to the Army at home and abroad,” said U.S. Army Capt. Timmy Marshburn, commander of the HHD 130th TFB. “The battalion, headquartered in Siler City, N.C., has deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, later supported operations in Southwest Asia, and deployed again in Support of Operation Spartan Shield.”
The 130th TFB Soldiers’ primary role while on deployment will be disbursement, military pay, commercial vendor services, currency support, and financial systems support. They are uniquely qualified for their positions, regardless of their rank. These Soldiers of finance must be vigilant to keep their mistakes to a minimum.
“Our work requires precision; it requires discipline; it requires integrity,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Damien Bethea, commander of the 130th TFB. “Behind every record completed correctly, every account reconciled, and every Soldier supported is a commitment to readiness and to the mission of the force.”
Although fewer than 30 Soldiers are deploying, leadership has instilled the enormity and gravity of their individual responsibilities. When these finance warriors perform their tasks perfectly, no one even knows; but if they fail, the ripple effects can be felt over 6,000 miles away.
“Finance Soldiers carry a mission that reaches every formation, every deployment, and every family,” said U.S. Army Col. Kimberly Graham, commander of the 29th Division Sustainment Brigade. “When you do your job well, units can focus on the fight, leaders can take care of their people, and Soldiers can serve with confidence.”