December 28, 2017

 

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Second rotation of sustainers arrive ready to support Atlantic Resolve DVIDS

The second nine-month rotation of the Atlantic Resolve Sustainment Task Force, attached to the 16th Sustainment Brigade, is underway as the incoming rotation conducts reception, staging, onward movement, and integration into Powidz and Poznan, Poland beginning December 2017. This incoming task force is comprised of integrated units from the regular Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard. The units have come from locations all across the United States, including: Connecticut, California, Kentucky, Texas, Georgia, New York, North Carolina, Kansas, and Virginia. “All three components will operate under the 16th Sustainment Brigade and will help sustain the operations within Atlantic Resolve,” said Lt. Col. William Daugherty, Commander of the 143rd Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. “The culmination is arrival to Powidz, Poland, receiving our equipment, and raising our guideons. No longer are there three components, only one — Strong Europe.” Integrating all three components of the Army in the European theater to provide sustainment functions ultimately boosts combat power generation by focusing support on the regionally allocated forces in Europe, which include the 2-1 Armored Brigade Combat Team and the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade. After spending nine months supporting multi-national exercises, often featuring military forces from 10 or more countries and from sister services, the rotational sustainers will return to their home-station units as experts in their military specialties with experiences that they can draw from to teach their fellow Soldiers. Read More…

On the Map: NC Military History Museum a gem for history buffs StarNews 

Nearly every inch of the walls, shelves and cabinets are packed with goodies in this oblong building tucked at the back of the National Guard Training Center in Kure Beach. Some of the mementos go back as far as the Civil War, but for the most part the museum focuses on World War I through present-day conflicts. Tanks and a Vietnam-era Huey helicopter adorn the grounds around this small volunteer-run museum. One of the outdoor tanks is a Russian T-55 captured by U.S. troops in 1991 during Operation Desert Storm. Inside the museum you’ll find displays of military weaponry and gear used in the 20th and 21st century. As museums go, this one is small and low-tech. Most of its operating costs are covered by private donations, and there’s no admission fee. Among the collection are several letters written by Pfc. Roy West to his “mother and dad.” One, dated April 21, 1945, from Germany reads, “I hope to have time to write more now for we are not in any battle now. It sure is nice to be where you can’t hear any guns firing.” Other displays include World War II Navy uniforms, antique bottles of Army-issued foot powder, Gulf War fatigues and various World War I items. All the artifacts — from the various models of infantry rifles to the recruitment posters and soldiers’ letters home — were donated by private individuals. Read More…

449th Combat Aviation Brigade Soldiers say “Hello” DVIDS
Soldiers assigned to the 449th Combat Aviation brigade wished their family and friends a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year while abroad. National Guard units from various states across the U.S. to include Rhode Island, Louisiana, Iowa and North Carolina make up the 449th CAB. The 449th CAB is currently deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. (U.S. Army video by 449th CAB staff)

Last C-130 leaves Charlotte base Fayetteville Observer
The North Carolina National Guard has bid adieu to its final C-130 Hercules. The last of the cargo planes once used by the 145th Airlift Wing left Charlotte for a new home in Savannah, Georgia, on Monday, officials said. Wing leaders and airmen stood and watched the final takeoff, marking the end of a chapter for the unit, which had flown C-130 aircraft for more than 40 years. In the coming months, the 145th Airlift Wing will begin to prepare for the next phase of its transition to the larger C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. The first of the larger planes are expected to arrive at the Air National Guard base alongside Charlotte Douglas International Airport in April. On Monday, the final C-130 to leave the base was celebrated with a water cannon salute amid the farewell, which was attended by local airmen and other officials. Read More…

One North Carolina National Guard Soldier finds his perfect match, both in love and in a kidney
 Army.mil
In 2001, when Sgt. 1st Class Martcello ‘Martello’ Houston was fresh out of basic training and attending school to become a human resources specialist, he met another young Soldier named Lauren. The two knew they were a perfect match, quickly fell in love and were married young. The Houston’s have now been married for over 14 years and have three children together. “My wife means everything to me,” said Houston, the Logistics Noncommissioned Officer in charge of the North Carolina National Guard Recruiting and Retention Battalion. “She is my best friend, my soulmate, and most importantly my queen. She has given so much of herself to our beautiful family.” On Oct. 17, 2017, Houston’s wife actually gave part of herself to her husband after finding out that not only does their love make them a perfect match; their kidneys match as well. “What many may not know about Martello is that for many years he has been quietly struggling with Polycystic Kidney Disease,” Lauren said. Read More…

December — Today in Guard History National Guard 

1845 Newark, New Jersey – During the middle 19th century duty in one of the uniformed volunteer companies in most major cities involved not only military training but also the need to raise money to support the company. Except for arms issued by the state there was little or no state or federal financial aid to help keep these units prepared for emergencies. To cover the costs of armory rent, dress uniforms and travel to participate in parades and ceremonies in other communities (sometimes even in other states) the units themselves had to pay for everything. To raise money many units held holiday balls and dances, charging the public to attend. The Newark City Guard was one such unit, advertising a holiday “Gala” in 1845 to include a banquet and dancing to celebrate the new year. Other fund-raising functions done by some units included bake sales (with their wives baking most of the goods sold) and expositions of military drill such as marching and bayonet drills for paying audiences. Large units having bands as part of their organizations gave paid concerts. Many of these aspects of Guard life would continue until after World War II, by which time almost all expenses were paid by the government. In the early 21st century few units still maintain distinctive dress uniforms and those who do still have to pay for them from private, not governmental, funds.
Read More…

57th Annual NCNGA Convention and NCNG Combined Ball Registration is NOW OPEN NCNGA 

Our North Carolina National Guard Association and Convention Committee are proud to announce that this year’s 57th Annual Convention will be hosted at the Crowne Plaza Resort in Asheville, NC between March 17-18. Asheville is one of our States top destinations with wonderful scenery, amazing attractions and great food and shopping. It has been a number of years since we have been to Asheville and the mountains, so we are happy to bring it back by popular demand. With the great accommodations and amenities at the resort, we believe this year will surpass previous years’ attendance. This year we are also collaborating with the NCNG and hosting the Combined Event/Ball. We encourage you to book early to reserve your room. Again, this year we will host our Membership Session on a Saturday and Sunday timeframe to minimize conflicts with those on a typical Monday-Friday work schedule and maximize attendance. Our goal this year is to offer a Kid’s Night Out (includes dinner) coordinated by Family Services during our Saturday Evening Event. With so many young families and retirees with grandchildren, we thought this addition would be great for everyone. Our intent is to make it a very enjoyable time for the kids with games, fun and movies to keep them entertained. We are currently wrapping up items like our agenda, entertainment and Convention theme. Once we have these locked in, we will post it on our Facebook page, Weekly Guardsman online newsletter, and on our website. You can signup for these resources on our homepage. We appreciate your support and encourage you to take full advantage of our Early Bird prices. Register Now…

Support the NCNGA with one click over the holidays… NCNGA 

A couple years ago, we began a program with a company named FlipCause which partners with some of the nation’s top businesses. This opportunity is where you can do all your shopping with over 150 top businesses and the NCNGA will receive a donation percentage on each purchase back to us. Partners include Amazon, Target, Expedia, Fed Ex, Gamestop, Nordstrom, HP, Microsoft, Pet Food Direct, Shoes.com and Hurley to name a few. You don’t have to do anything different other than click through the link here or the link on our website. This link is also listed on our website on the right hand side column as “Shop Your Favorite Stores to Support NCNGA”. You will be directed to these merchant’s main websites and have access to all their promotions and sales as usual. This small step can make a huge impact with everyone doing holiday shopping. We hope you will use and share this opportunity with your family and friends to use as well. Support NCNGA Today…