Memorial for N.C. Guard Soldiers Killed in Action Dedicated in Wilmington

WILMINGTON, NC (01/27/2011)(readMedia)-- Four newcomers waited, mute under a snowy sky. Hundreds came to see them for the first time as they joined four brothers in silent testimony. The eight stone markers are part of a memorial honoring North Carolina National Guard Soldiers of the 120th Combined Arms Battalion killed in action since 9/11.

The memorial, built for the unit's Soldiers who were killed in action during a Iraq deployment in 2004, was rededicated and expanded to honor Soldiers killed in action in Iraq in 2009. The ceremony was held at the unit's armory in Wilmington Jan. 23.

The four 120th CAB Soldiers killed in action in 2004 are Spc. Jocelyn Carrasquillo, Army Capt. Christopher Cash, Spc. Daniel Desens and Army Staff Sgt. Michael Voss. The four 120th CAB Soldiers killed in action in Iraq in 2009 are, Sgt. 1st Class Edward Kramer and Army Sgts. Juan Baldeosingh, Robert Adams and Robert Bittiker.

At the ceremony Soldiers, friends and family assembled, bands played, the crowd recognized kin of Soldiers killed in action, and all stood for presentation of the nation's colors on a cold winter's day.

"This memorial is a labor of love, a tribute to their courage, sacrifice and honor," said Army Brig. Gen. James Trogdon, assistant adjutant general, Army, of the North Carolina National Guard, as he addressed the crowd.

The memorial is a circle of gravel and manicured landscaping plants and shrubs. The hub is a flagpole and centerpiece, the border on one side home to eight smaller stone markers.

The centerpiece is a carved unit patch of the 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team, higher headquarters to the 120th CAB. Before it, stands the traditional icon of a Soldier killed in action: a rifle, boots and helmet.

In a semicircle, 10 yards away, are four markers for Carrasquillo, Cash, Desens and Voss. Continuing the semicircle are four covered markers draped by a camouflage-colored shroud.

Speaker after speaker praised the Soldiers in attendance and those who have fallen in combat.

"The real North Carolina is right here, big city or small town. The state is so proud of you," said Elaine Marshall, North Carolina secretary of state. "We love our veterans and especially those who fall in defense of our freedom. Memorials and speeches are easy compared to what you do."

"These Soldiers showed courage and that right can win," said Army Lt. Col. Randy Powell, commander of the 30th HBCT. "Their legacy lives on, never forget them."

"They took the fight to the enemy and protected this nation," said Trogdon.

Praise for the memorial came not just as a work of art but also a place for those who feel the loss of the Soldiers passing and pride in their deeds.

"This memorial is important for families, friends to gather, remember and love those who fell," said Marshall.

The time for speaking was over and the time came for the unveiling of the newcomers. Slowly, 120th CAB Soldiers approached and pulled the camouflage shrouds away, revealing the nearly two-foot granite markers with the Soldiers' name and unit chiseled in stone.

Families, fellow Soldiers, police and so many others filed past. Some saluted, some hugged, some cried; all mourned.

For additional information visit the NC National Guard Website at www.nc.ngb.army.mil or contact the N.C. National Guard Public Affairs Office at (919) 664-6242 or (919) 612-5061 on weekends and after hours.