Home Local News National Guard vets reunite at Rockingham VFW recruitment drive

National Guard vets reunite at Rockingham VFW recruitment drive

Fred McNeill, center, listens as Eddie Dean, left, recalls memories from serving in the National Guard. McNeill, Dean and Johnny Patrick, right, were the only three to serve in all three units.
William R. Toler - Richmond Observer

ROCKINGHAM — Former members of several Richmond County-based National Guard units reunited Saturday at VFW Post 4203.

For some, it had been decades since they’d seen each other.

The veterans served in the 196th Cavalry, which was activated from 1972-78; the 881st Engineering Company, deactivated in 2001 and made the 105th Engineer Battalion, according to Eddie Dean. In 2005, he said, the 105th was deactivated in Rockingham and made the 881st Engineering Construction Company.

Dean, who served with all three units during his 40 years, invited all the former soldiers he had served with as part of the VFW post’s recruitment drive and to “have the fellowship with the guys.”

“There’s guys here I haven’t seen in 20 years,” Dean said. “Some of them longer than that.”

The veterans hailed from Rockingham, Hamlet and Wadesboro.

There were several photo albums displayed on a table for the veterans to look through and reminisce.

In addition to Dean, Fred McNeill and Johnny Patrick also served in all three units. McNeill had 36 ½ years in; Patrick, who is also a member of the American Legion and AMVETS, served 28 years.

In order to be a member of the VFW, veterans have to have served overseas.

Retired Maj. Joe  Barkley made the drive down from Wake County to see those who served under his command.

Barkley served as platoon leader for three years of the 196th Cavalry in Hamlet.

“I always believed all of us were like family,” Barkley said. “We’re part of one of the biggest families in the world.

“It’s nice to get together and see each other again …maybe try to be young again,” Barkley continued.

According to Barkley, the Hamlet unit was respected throughout the state for being efficient.

Since he was never deployed abroad, Barkley isn’t a VFW member, though he is a member of the American Legion.

“They’ve done their duty,” he said of those who did get sent overseas. “I’m proud to be among them.”

Dean went to Iraq in 2004 and spent 10 months in Afghanistan in 2010.

The Rockingham VFW post, at the beginning of the event, had 103 members — having lost three members who died within the past year.

“It’s always hard to fill the shoes of good soldiers,” Dean said.

Retaining 100% of the previous year’s membership was the one remaining challenge for the post receiving All-State honors again.

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Dean said the post was able to sign up three new members, meeting the goal.

One of those was Jason Woods, who served twice in Iraq and once in Afghanistan from 1999-2018.

Any veterans with overseas service who wants to join is encouraged to fill out an application at the post, 106 Old River Road, Rockingham.

Those who stayed stateside, or have a relative who served abroad, can join the Post 4203 Auxiliary.

Dean said he plans to hold the reunions every six months.



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Managing Editor William R. Toler is an award-winning writer and photographer with experience in print, television and online media.