SYLVA, N.C. – The North Carolina Army National Guard conducted a redeployment ceremony for the 130th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s 210th Military Police Company February 9, 2019 at Smoky Mountain High School in Sylva, N.C..
More than 150 soldiers from the 210th returned in October from nearly a year-long deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.
The Smoky Mountain High auditorium was standing room only as the official party and soldiers from the 210th filed in and took their seats. After a brief invocation the soldiers and civilians in the crowd were addressed by a Mr. Jordan Barnes, who read a letter on behalf of the Honorable Thom Tillis, United States Senator from North Carolina, Maj. Gen. James Ernst, the deputy adjutant general of the NCARNG, and Capt. Michael Phelan, commander of the 210th.
“Words are inadequate to describe how grateful I am for the sacrifices you have made in service to our country.” wrote Tillis. “It is because of our great men and women in uniform and the support of their loved ones that American continues to stand as a beacon of freedom throughout the world.”
During its mission the 210th was primarily responsible for providing security and enforcement operations for the Naval base and were excited to be home and reunited with their families.
“It was overwhelming,” exclaimed Spc. Alexandria Forfa, a military police officer with the 210th. “We haven’t been separated for that long, ever, so it was really great.”
The 210th has a long history of service to its state and country. It’s soldiers were mobilized in 1990 to support Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm, in 2003 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and again in 2013 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In service to its state and country the unit has been awarded the Valorous Unit Citation, N.C. Governor’s Unit Citation, and N.C. Meritorious Unit Citation.
Date Taken: | 02.10.2019 |
Date Posted: | 02.10.2019 17:14 |
Story ID: | 310218 |
Location: | SYLVA, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
Web Views: | 555 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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