Council honors returning unit

Thursday, November 19, 2009 3:00 AM |

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By Shelley Smithssmith@salisburypost.com

The Salisbury City Council honored members of the Army National Guard 449th Theater Aviation Brigade Tuesday for their service in Iraq.

Col. Paul Barbee and Command Sgt. Major Neil Pervis, both of Salisbury, appeared at the council meeting to accept the recognition on behalf of the unit.

Barbee and Pervis participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom and the Global War on Terrorism with the Army National Guard Unit 449.

Theirs is one of three local military units that have served two tours of duty in Iraq, all without casualties.

"We've seen them leave for Iraq and we've seen them all come back safely," said Salisbury Mayor Susan Kluttz.

Barbee and Pervis work full time at the Army flight facility in Salisbury and were two of 30 deployed.

"We worked 129 aircrafts," said Barbee. "Flew Baghdad International to Kuwait, and flew over 50,000 hours. It was a very fast year.

"What really makes a difference and concerns us are our families back home. It makes a big difference to me and the commander to know that we have support back home. Thanks for what you do."

Holding back tears, Mayor Kluttz thanked the unit again.

"We appreciate what you do," she said. "We would not have what we have here if it wasn't for you."

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