Courtesy Photo | Mickey Price (left), Gaston County Board of Commissioners poses for a picture with...... read more read more
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RALEIGH, N.C. – The North Carolina National Guard’s mission is to engage the communities in which we serve directly and foster relationships that will last a lifetime.
Usually, it is the Guard that comes to the rescue; however, in an unexpected twist of fate, a local county rewarded the N.C. Guard for their support and providing a positive impact in their community.
The Gaston County Shield of Honor was awarded to senior leaders on behalf of the NCNG’s 505th Engineer Combat Battalion. The award was presented by the Gaston County Board of Commissioners Chairman, Mickey Price.
“The Gaston County Shield of Honor is the highest award that is offered by the commission and can only be awarded to those individuals or groups that have served their nation, state and county through acts of honorable and meritorious service in our military in times of military engagements resulting in declarations of war, or actions taken to render a declaration of war,” said Donna Buff, Gaston County Clerk to the Board.
In attendance for the unit were new Battalion Commander, Army Lt. Col. Cristina Moore and her Battalion Administrative Officer, Army Capt. William Dudley.
Buff contacted the unit, informed them with the good news and was instrumental in planning the presentation before the board.
“I was not aware of this award until Ms. Buff contacted the unit,” said Dudley. “It’s actually the second time the 505th has gotten this award; they received it for a previous deployment in 2005 to 2006.”
One of the 505th subordinate units, the 621st Engineer Detachment also received the award on the same evening. The unit’s Readiness Noncommissioned Officer, Army Sgt. 1st Class Derek Morgan received the award on their behalf for their deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2009-2010.
“Our family members and soldiers are thankful for the overwhelming outpouring of support from Gaston County,” said Moore. “We are happy to return to our local community after completing a successful mission overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.”
According to both Moore and Dudley, the Gaston County community has always gone out of their way to support units from the area.
“We do several things with organizations inside the community of Gastonia,” said Dudley. “We share our armory with the City of Gastonia and we support them with the facility during the winter for their youth basketball program.”
Dudley also said that the award was “tremendous,” because it helps that they have a positive relationship with Gaston County and that having people in our organization who, even after they retire, maintain these relationships, it fosters a trust between the community and the Guard.
“It’s always good to know that the community supports us like they do,” said Dudley. “Having people like that are from the unit, it helps to integrate and promote the 505th inside the local government.”
Dudley shared a story about how the Gaston County Board flew the ‘unit’s colors’ (given to them by the 505th before their deployment) during all of their meetings. At the conclusion of the 505th’s deployment, the board framed the flag and presented it back to the unit as a gift.
The 505th has also participated in local parades; used unit Color Guards for community organization functions and provides the facility for various other community events as well.
Moore, since taking command, said she has been very pleased with how the unit is accepted and she praised the local community for sponsoring welcome home support and various other activities while units in the area were deployed.
“We’re happy to receive this award,” said Dudley. “We’re glad this transpired and we hope to maintain a great relationship going forward.”
“The award highly, honorably, and unquestionably acknowledges their service and dedication to the following principles; Duty, Honor, Country,” said Buff.
| Date Taken: | 10.11.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 10.11.2013 16:19 |
| Story ID: | 115092 |
| Location: | RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 104 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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