Cookout held for local Guard Unit
Headed for Iraq this Fall
Article & Photo: Courtesy of the Taylorsville Times
August 3, 2005

Local members of the North Carolina National Guard 505th Engineering Battalion will be leaving this autumn for Iraq, following training stateside in the coming weeks.

Alexander County members of the National
Guard’s 505th Engineering Battalion

To show support for the local Guardsmen, family and friends of the 505th Engineering Battalion threw an Appreciation Cookout on Sunday, July 31, at the National Guard Armory in Taylorsville. Guests were members of the 505th Guard unit, their families, friends, and local citizens.

Speakers at the event included Taylorsville Mayor Guy Barriger, Alexander County Commissioners William Hammer and Darrell Robertson, Taylorsville Councilman Bob Phillips, as well as featured speaker Capt. Mark S. McMahan of the N.C. National Guard. Music during the luncheon was provided by the Solid Edge Band.

The meal consisted of hot dogs and hamburgers with all the fixings, baked beans, and sweet tea, followed by several types of desserts.

Door prizes for Guard Members were distributed during dessert, and included items such as furniture, pillows, restaurant gift certificates, local department store gift certificates, and other useful items furnished by local businesses.

Many smiles and thoughtful glances passed over the faces of those in attendance as they dined with their friends and loved ones, sharing good food and laughter during this special but somber occasion.