By Scott Nicholson
The Watauga Democrat
Several thousand people welcomed home the 1451st Transportation Company of the North Carolina National Guard during Sunday’s ceremony at Watauga High School in Boone.
The 170 soldiers were greeted with applause, signs, American flags and banners, with a number of standing ovations. The troops returned to Boone Saturday morning from Indiana, where they arrived Monday after a year of active duty in Iraq. The troops shipped out for training on Feb. 2, 2006, and returned to family and friends for a series of events before returning to their civilian lives.
Capt. Kelly Frazier, head of the company, said the troops had served with honor and showed their experience during their transport missions. The company logged more than 1 million miles over the past year. “It’s been a long year,” Frazier said. “We logged 451 missions on the most dangerous roads in the world. This company was head and shoulders above the other companies.”
The company was presented with a flag that had originally been flown to signal the start of their mission. Its return signified that the mission was complete.
Dept. Adj. Gen. Thomas Lawing said it was a great day and that he had been in the war theater in Iraq. “Having been there, I can tell you it’s one of the most dangerous, difficult missions you can have,” Lawing said. “Think about what can happen in a mile. It’s hard for me to fathom what you have done.”
Lawing also gave thanks to the families for their sacrifices. “Soldiers are consumed with the mission, but the family is on pins and needles, taking care of the home front,” he said.
Lawing also encouraged the community and businesses to continue reaching out to the soldiers, acknowledging Norman Cheek, a former soldier who devoted a lot of time and money in raising care packages and collecting phone cards for the troops.
Lawing also advised the soldiers to enjoy a brief moment of peace before returning to their civilian roles. He likened the war to a hurricane, and said the troops were now in the calm eye of the hurricane. He said the demands of civilian life lay ahead but the soldiers should take time to relax first.
“Enjoy the eye of the hurricane and don’t try to run back into the hurricane quickly,” he said.
U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-5) told the soldiers, “Those have to be the best words you’ve heard in a long time: ‘Welcome home.’”
She added she was proud of their service to the country, particularly in the sacrifice of leaving loved ones behind, and said the soldiers had served with distinction.
“You’ve seen much and returned with honor,” she said, likening the troops to those of past wars. “Courage and dignity are alive. You’ve answered the call of the country. You’ve taken tremendous risks and you have our gratitude.”
Foxx also pledged her support and the support of her office in helping soldiers solve any problems and said she hoped the troops continued to be an inspiration to people.
“We need people like you to inspire future generations,” she said, adding that living in freedom is not free. “People have to pay a price for the things that we do every day.”
Boone Mayor Loretta Clawson said she was impressed by the number of miles traveled and the number of medals earned by the company. She invited the troops to serve as grand marshals of the annual Boone Fourth of July Parade.
N.C. Sen. Steve Goss (D-45) said his son was a career member of the U.S. Air Force and acknowledged, “War is a terrible thing.
“You bring a little bit of peace home to us even though the war rages on,” he said. “Separation is difficult under the worst or best of circumstances, but it’s terrible when your life’s at stake every moment of the night and day.”
Goss also called on governments to provide better services and treatment to veterans.
“Now we owe a debt,” he said, announcing a General Assembly bill to construct 10 military family service centers around the state.
“Words are not enough for what you have done.”
He called on the people and businesses of the state to reach out to the troops and show support. “We know the sacrifices that are there, that you’ve done; now it’s our turn,” he said.
N.C. Rep. Cullie Tarleton (D-93) said as a former National Guard member he was grateful for the sacrifices. He said he’d spoken with Gov. Mike Easley on Friday and the governor sent along his personal, deep appreciation. U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) also sent a letter of gratitude.
The company was last ordered into active military duty during Operation Desert Shield in 1990 and 1991, though the unit had been attached to the 1450th Transportation Company in 2004 for a year’s active duty.
(Photo Caption: Congresswoman Foxx with Capt. Kelly Frazier.)
