North Carolina Guard deploys to support Operation Inherent Resolve

RALEIGH, N.C. - North Carolina National Guard Soldiers with the 130th Military History Detachment were honored during a deployment ceremony Sept. 29 as they prepared to deploy to the Middle East to document operations and preserve the Army's history in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

Guard leaders, Soldiers and family members gathered at the Claude T. Bower Building for the ceremony.

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 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.

Through oral interviews, informational documents and other historical records, the detachment provides future Soldiers and leaders with a clearer understanding of what happened and why. The mission also preserves the experiences, sacrifices and accomplishments of those who serve.

"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."

The deployment also affects the families and loved ones who support the Soldiers throughout the mission.

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

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

As the Soldiers deploy, they will carry the 130th Military History Detachment's lineage with them while documenting another chapter in the unit's history.