North Carolina Guard Deploys to Support Operation Inherent Resolve

RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina National Guard leaders and Soldiers from the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, 130th Military History Detachment, conducted a deployment ceremony Sept. 29 at the Claude T. Bower Building, sending off the members to conduct historical collection and documentation and provide historical perspective in support of Operation Inherent Resolve in the Middle East.

The 130th Military History Detachment is a small team that works alongside its parent unit to capture the events, decisions and experiences that shape current operations. Despite its small size, the detachment plays a critical role in preserving the Army's history during ongoing operations.

"Our mission is to collect and document current operations to ensure history is captured," said U.S. Army Maj. Patrick Montandon, officer in charge of the 130th Military History Detachment.

The 130th Military History Detachment's work goes beyond simply recording events; it gives future Soldiers and leaders a clearer understanding of what happened and why through oral interviews, informational documents and other historical records. For many Soldiers, this mission is also personal, giving them a chance to preserve the experiences, sacrifices and accomplishments of those who serve and ensuring their contributions are remembered long after the mission is complete.

"I feel that there's great power that comes to us individually or as a unit when we remember where we came from," Montandon said. "Part of remembering is making sure everything is recorded as accurately as possible, to give insight and perspective for the future."

As the 130th Military History Detachment deploys, the mission also extends beyond the Soldiers who are deployed. Their families and loved ones share in the sacrifice of their deployment and play an important role in supporting them throughout the mission.

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Wes Morrison, the assistant adjutant general-maneuver for the North Carolina National Guard, thanked families.

"Reach out if you need anything - you have been here for your Soldier, and we are here for you," Morrison said.

Soldiers who deploy know long days lie ahead, but understanding the significance of their mission often makes them bearable. These military historians will carry the 130th's lineage with them and add to its rich legacy.