"We're ready," agreed members of the N.C. National Guard's 210th Military Police Co. as they gathered for a mobilization ceremony Saturday, March 8, at Franklin High School. The company is expected to receive orders this Saturday, March 15, to join 10 other National Guard units already assigned to "Operation Enduring Freedom." From left are Sgt. Kenneth Woodring of Sylva's Cagle Branch community and Sgt. Kenneth Frady of Little Savannah, who served in Saudi Arabia, Cpl. Tom Walawender of Turtle Creek, Spc. Robert Crawford of Whittier and Cpl. David Lovedahl of Caney Fork community. - Herald photo by Clyde Ray See more images from Saturday's event.
Many of the men and women of the 210th Military Police Co. of the N.C. National Guard are combat veterans with experience in the Persian Gulf and Bosnia. But some, like 22-year-old PFC Melissa Townsend, are facing their first deployment. The 210th is expected to receive activation orders Saturday, March 15, joining 10 other National Guard units assigned to Operation Enduring Freedom. All of them, whether they are first-timers or veterans, agree on one thing: "We are ready," they declared during a mobilization ceremony Saturday in Franklin. Approximately 500 supporters filled the auditorium at Franklin High School for the emotional ceremony that prompted tears, cheers and shouts of "Ho-Rah!" While the 210th prepares for possible war in Iraq, Sylva officials have authorized yellow ribbons be hung on Main Street, symbolizing the unit's departure. Each one represents a home where there will be one less chair at the dinner table. Rep. Phil Haire of Sylva, who served in the U.S. Air Force, told the MP company, "As I look out at you, I don't see the 210th. I see my neighbors, my friends. You represent the best of the mountains." Although unable to attend, Sen. John Edwards sent a letter of support that called the 210th "the very essence of citizen soldier." Bryan Beatty, secretary, N.C. Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, thanked the 210th for "your service and dedication. The nation is calling on you to defend freedom. Since 9-11 the nation realizes it takes struggle and sacrifice to maintain those freedoms." Taking up the challenge, Capt. Thomas Lewis III, commander of the 210th, told the many children and young people in the crowd, "We are doing this so you won't have to do it later." Several guard members admitted they were "anxious," but qualified that by adding they are also "ready." Guardsmen received their mobilization orders March 2 and are awaiting activation orders, according to Andrew Sleeth, assistant public affairs officer for the N.C. National Guard. "We have trained and trained and we are so ready. I have a great squad," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Kronauge, a 28-year-old squad leader from Sylva. Facing her first deployment, Sylva resident Townsend said, "No one can be totally prepared emotionally; you just have to put yourself in the proper mind set and hope for the best." Townsend will leave behind a 1-year-old son. Sgt. Lucy Thorne, who will also leave behind a son, said, "my son is working toward becoming an Eagle Scout. I could miss that whole process." Thorne's process with the 210th is a story in itself. Just a few weeks ago she signed up and was told to come back in four days for her final paperwork. "When I came back in, they told me I was going to be deployed. That came totally unexpected and surprised the heck out of me," said Thorne, who expects to be assigned clerical duties. A seasoned member of the guard who served during the Gulf War, 2nd Lt. Kyle Chapman, said, "the best thing we can do is make preparations at home and secure things while we're away." Last week guard families were assisted in preparation of wills, powers of attorney and received information on Tricare military health insurance. "When you know your family back home is being taken care of, it makes it easier to concentrate on performing your duties as a soldier," Lil Ingram, first lady of the N.C. National Guard, said at Saturday's rally. Her husband, Maj. Gen. William Ingram Jr., adjutant general, N.C. National Guard, praised the 210th for its readiness and importance in the mission ahead. "You train and you train so your reflexes are programmed to automatically respond," said one guard member who saw action in Bosnia. "Fear is like a big chunk of the coldest ice shoved down in the pit of your stomach, but training is how you deal with fear. "You don't have time to be afraid because you don't have time to think. You just do. That's when your training takes over the fear," the guard member said. Iraqi leaders should be the ones with fear, said Capt. Lewis, in a rousing charge to his troops. "The enemy should be very afraid because the 210th is coming; let's roll!"
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