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Bama Guard unit begins final training for mission to Iraq

Printed today in The Birmingham News:

About 80 members of a Centreville-based Alabama Army National Guard unit will begin final training next week at Fort Lewis, Wash., for a mission in Iraq.

According to a state Guard press release, the 129th Medical Company will “provide health protection and ground evacuation to coalition forces” in Iraq.

A send-off ceremony for the unit will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Fort I. Judson Sneed Armory in Centreville and the company will leave for Fort Lewis the next day.

Another Iraq-bound Army Guard unit, the 203rd Military Police Battalion from Gadsden, will be sending about 75 soldiers for some final pre-deployment training to Fort Bliss, Texas, following a send-off ceremony June 19.

Clanton Soldier Top in His Post

Another feature in this weekend’s Clanton Advertiser, a Clanton soldier who’s been named top soldier in his post:

Local soldier tops in his Army post

You could say the Army is in his genes, but you’ve got to give credit where credit is due. Sgt. Ocie Williams Jr. of Clanton was named NCO of the Quarter at Fort Lewis in Washington state.

Williams, 23, a medic at Madigan Army Medical Center, received the award based on his performance in many areas including land navigation, Army Warrior Tasks, an oral exam, physical fitness and weapons qualification. He also penned an essay about the Army’s values.

The designation stands for Non-Commissioned Officer of the Quarter and basically means Williams is the top soldier in his post. He received a well-earned plaque and a ribbon for his accomplishment.

Read the whole article here.

Congratulations, Sgt. Williams!