Units rotate security mission at Army Research Laboratory

STATE ROUNDUP

Maryland

Maryland National Guardsmen who augmented security at the Army Research Laboratory, or ARL, facility in Adelphi, Md., for the past 10 months were recognized at a Sept. 6 ceremony.

ARL Director Dr. Robert Whalin expressed his gratitude to the soldiers of B Company, Ist Battalion, 115th Infantry who left their families, jobs and school behind to provide physical security at the installation.

"It was comforting to know our nation cared about ARL so much to provide us with a security screen," Whalin said. "We send this unit off with our deepest thanks."

The unit will be replaced by the Virginia Army National Guard's B Company, Ist Battalion, 246th Field Artillery. Both outfits belong to the 29th Infantry Division (Light.

ARL officials had nothing but praise for the departing Maryland soldiers.

"They endured the cold, the hot, the snarls, the smiles, the frowns," said Col. Carrie Kendrick, installation commander. "Never once did I hear one of them complain."

Maryland Army Guard Sgt. Joshua Crandall admitted a sense of uncertainty among his family when they found out his unit was activated.

"We didn't know where I would be sent or how the family would cope," Crandall said. "We were also worried if we would be financially OK But everything turned out well, and this was a good learning experience."

Copyright National Guard Association of the United States Oct 2002
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