Spec. Justin Leone, an Interlaken, N. Y. Resident, Meets Army's Top Non-Commissioned Officer in Iraq

LATHAM, NY (06/28/2011)(readMedia)-- New York Army National Guard Specialist Justin Leone, a member of the 501st Ordnance Battalion, poses with Command Sergeant Major of the Army Raymond Chandler during Chandler's visit to Contingency Operating Base Basra in Basra Iraq on June 25.

Chandler, the Army's top non-commissioned officer, is responsible for providing advice on troop training and morale to the Army's Chief of Staff. He visited Iraq to meet with troops and assess conditions there.

Leone is a computer specialist with the 501st Ordnance Battalion, which is a headquarters unit responsible for directing three Explosive Ordnance Disposal companies operating in southern Iraq. The unit, based at the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Scotia, N.Y. mobilized in October 2010 for a ten month deployment in Iraq.

The 501st is the higher headquarters for the New York Army National Guard's 1108th EOD Company, also based at the Scotia Armed Forces Reserve Center, along with EOD companies in Greenville, North Carolina, Camp Edward, Massachusetts, Camp Dawso, West Virginia, and Camp Grayling, Michigan.

In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, explosive ordnance disposal experts are in the frontlines removing bombs and clearing roads so that Soldiers and supplies can move and so civilians are safer. Since the 501st was converted from an infantry unit in 2005 it has sent EOD Soldiers to both combat theaters.

Posted Tuesday June 28, 2011 at 12:31 pm by New York State Division of Military & Naval Affairs
Last Updated Tuesday July 05, 2011 at 09:18 am