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OHIO NATIONAL GUARD

Call to Duty ceremony honors area soldiers headed to Iraq

Jessica Uttinger Friends and family gathered to witness the Call to Duty Ceremony for the Ohio National Guard at Urbancrest Baptist Church in Lebanon this Saturday morning, May 2, 2009. The ceremony was for Troop B 2nd Squadron 107th Calvary.

Evelyn Carovillano looks into the face of her father, Ohio Army National Guardsman Nick Carovillano, as the toddler touches the yellow rose he was given after the Call to Duty Ceremony at Urbancrest Baptist Church in Lebanon Saturday morning, May 2, 2009.

Contributed photo by Jessica Uttinger Evelyn Carovillano looks into the face of her father, Ohio Army National Guardsman Nick Carovillano, as the toddler touches the yellow rose he was given after the Call to Duty Ceremony at Urbancrest Baptist Church in Lebanon Saturday morning, May 2, 2009.

ENLARGE PHOTO

Photos: Call of Duty Ceremony

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By Justin McClelland, Staff Writer Updated 10:22 AM Monday, May 4, 2009

LEBANON — Tears of sacrifice and a swelling of pride joined together at a special ceremony to honor soldiers from southwest Ohio about to embark on a tour of duty for their country.

A Call to Duty ceremony was held at the Urbancrest Baptist Church to honor the men and women of the “Black Knights” B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 107th Cavalry unit out of Lebanon; 132 soldiers will from the unit will head to Iraq later this month for a one-year tour-of-service.

Pvt. Bryan Converse has only been with the National Guard about six months and found out his unit had been called to duty two weeks into his basic training.

“It’s what I joined for,” Converse said. “I love my country and I want to do everything I can for it.”

Converse was surrounded by friends and family after the hourlong ceremony.

“I guess since 9/11 he really felt compelled to do this,” said Converse’s grandmother, Carol, getting choked up. “We’re very proud of his commitment and all the troops who are were here today.”

Hundreds of people crammed into Urbancrest church for the ceremony. Two fire trucks hoisted their ladders over the entrance to the church’s parking lot and displayed a large American flag at the peak.

“When I look out here, I see the faces of America,” said Adj. Gen. Matthew Kambic of the Ohio National Guard. “I see the faces of love and compassion, toughness and determination, peace and hope.”

Lebanon Mayor Amy Brewer noted she had taught several of the soldiers in the audience, before tearing up in her speech.

“I am overwhelmed,” Brewer. “We will surround you with our thoughts and prayers.”

The families of the unit were given special recognition throughout the program as well. Family members received a Blue Star Service Banner to display while their loved ones were on duty. Urbancrest church also gave each soldier a bandana with the Soldier’s Prayer on it.

“We’ll get it done, get back, and move on,” said Sgt. Scott Compton, who has been with the Black Knights for six and a half years. “I will miss my family, but this is our duty.”

The unit will first head to Camp Shelby, Miss., where they will receive additional training before they deploy overseas, according to the Ohio National Guard. In Iraq, the unit will perform convoy security operations.

While the soldiers were excited about serving their country, they also admitted there were things at home they would miss.

“I’ll miss my family,” Converse said. “And deer season and baseball.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 696-4544 or jmcclelland@coxohio.com.

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Johnathan,God Bless and keep you safe along with all your troop. I pray that this time next year you all will be home safe. I am so very proud of you. We love you so much-your aunt Evelyn and family.

EVELYN PORTER
9:03 PM, 5/26/2009

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Thank you for a great article and the tribute given to our soldiers, our son was one of these brave men and we are very proud of him.
God bless them all.

Stan & Martha Root
9:26 AM, 5/5/2009

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THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! TO THE FAMILIES OF THESE BRAVE MEN AND WOMEN WHO PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE EVERY DAY FOR THIS COUNTRY. I WASN'T PRESENT @ THE CEREMONY BUT WE HEARD ABOUT IT THE FOLLOWING SUNDAY@ URBANCREST. PLEASE DON'T FORGET THESE FAMILIES AND LOVED ONES IN YOUR PRAYERS. GOD BLESS YOU!!

Rhonda
9:38 AM, 5/4/2009

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I would like to make a small amendment to the above caption...the soldier holding Evelyn in the photo is named Nick Carovillano, his wife is me, Andrea Carovillano. I am VERY proud of my husband and all the other men serving in our military. God bless them and bring them all home safely.

Andrea Carovillano
10:18 PM, 5/3/2009

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i will miss my nephew sean lewis very much..i will pray everyday till he come home i will pray that all the soldiers come home safe that god watch out for them all. if it was not for them we would not be here...i love you all god bless them all love the lewis family.

tamera
11:01 AM, 5/3/2009

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