Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Robert Jordan | Families at the North Carolina National Guard Survivors’ Outreach Event hosted May...... read more read more
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Family; noun; a group of people bound by blood.
For families at the North Carolina National Guard Survivors’ Outreach Event held May 21 – 22, 2016, the meaning of family is personal as they shared stories, love, grief and loss of a loved one at home or overseas while in service to state and nation.
“It doesn’t matter who it is, if you wear the uniform you are family,” said Staff Sgt. Keisha Owens, a unit representative escorting family members of Pfc. Keilah Smallwood, a Soldier with E Co. 230th Brigade Support Battalion who died Dec. 15, 2015.
The weekend event, hosted at the Courtyard Raleigh-Durham Airport at Briar Creek, included a memorial service, workshops, and youth activities. The group also took trips to the Got To Be NC Festival at the North Carolina State Fairgrounds, and the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Morehead Planetarium and Science Center.
The festival trip began with a flag line by Patriot Guard Riders while Families filed out to a waiting bus that was escorted to the fairgrounds by Police cars and Patriot Guard motorcycles.
N.C. Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and Sheriff Donnie Harrison welcome the families.
“Even though it is sad, we are honored for this day, thanks to the military for making us part of their family and treating us like kings and queens today,” said Terri Robinson mother of Pfc. Keilah Smallwood.
Many veteran organizations, charities, civic groups’ representatives and councilors shared the latest information and services available.
“To the North Carolina National Guard those men and women are still part of the Guard family,” said Sgt. 1st Class Robert Shook, a leader with the NCNG’s Survivor Outreach Services.
The event culminated with a memorial ceremony. Families gathered in a large meeting room where tables held dozens of candles, roses, pens and writing paper.
Army Chaplain Capt. Doug Windley with the NCNG’s 60th Troop Command began the ceremony encouraging the families to write letters and light a candle in honor of the fallen. Families filed slowly past the tables lighting candles and leaving letters of love.
“Pour out your hearts and we will grieve and heal together,” said Windley.
A small child rose in response, “Amen.”
| Date Taken: | 05.25.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.01.2016 13:16 |
| Story ID: | 199662 |
| Location: | RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 259 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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