Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
Armory Support Team #14 membership increased by nine following a swearing-in ceremony Saturday at the National Guard Armory.
The men, all military veterans, are now part of the 1st Brigade 3rd Battalion, Indiana Guard Reserve.
"The IGR becomes the state defense force when the National Guard is federalized," said Capt. Greg Smith, AST #14's Team Leader. "We have three missions: to handle the administration duties for the armory, provide family support and to be at the beck and call of the governor."
While the local guard unit is not totally mobilized - there are two men completing training - the IGR has taken over most responsibilities left by the 1st Battalion 293rd Infantry Company A's mobilization in November.
Smith, of North Webster, is commander of the largest AST in Indiana with 16 volunteers. One officer and eight enlisted men were added to the unit. After training, a few will be assigned to other armories.
State Sen. Kent Adams addressed the current and incoming AST members, commending them for their commitment.
"After September 11th, 2001," the senator said, referring to hijacker-controlled plane crashes into the Twin Towers in New York City and at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., "vigilance is the watchword for homeland defense, for our well being today. Those on the front lines, of which you are a part, deserve our prayers, gratitude and our thanks."
Sworn in as an IGR officer was Chuck Hazzard of Syracuse. The former West Point graduate will serve as a major.
Enlisted men include: 1st Sgt Scott Hawks, Pvt. Doug Bartman, 1st Sgt. Dick Malcolm and Sgt. Stan Leedy, all of Warsaw; Sgt. Major Mitchell A. Budzon, Huntington; Sgt. Jack Elam, Syracuse; Sgt. Norman Hanford, North Webster; and 1st Sgt. Paul Houseman, Kimmell. They have enlisted for three years.
Other AST members also received ribbons for meritorious conduct: 1st Sgt. Merritt, Sgt. Major Shapiro, Sgt. Bruce Lau and Staff Sgt. Casey Lau. The Laus are the only husband and wife members in the battalion.
Capt. Ron West, Sgt. 1st class Don Walker and Sgt. Larry Rensberger also received IGR medallions.
