North Carolina National Guard Soldiers to be Honored for Service in Iraq at Customized Car Show
CHARLOTTE, N.C., July 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by Operation Tribute to Freedom:
WHAT: Seven North Carolina National Guard Soldiers will be honored for their service in Iraq during the Boost Mobile "Hot Import Nights" customized car show this Saturday at the Merchandise Mart in Charlotte, N.C. The Soldiers, who built roads, housing facilities and protective barriers with the 505th Engineer Battalion returned home in October 2006, and are being recognized for their service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. A haven for car show enthusiasts, the "Hot Import Nights" shows feature performances by hip-hop artists alongside tricked-out cars. Soldier recognition ceremonies are scheduled for each stop on the 20-city tour between now and December. The recognitions are part of the Army's Operation Tribute to Freedom program, which honors returning Soldiers for their service in Iraq and Afghanistan. **Two Soldiers are available for interviews before the recognition. ** WHO: Sgt. William Burriola served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom with the 505th Engineer Battalion as a Land Surveyor. He is currently with the 621st Design and Survey Team, and is also a junior at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte majoring in civil engineering. Sgt. 1st Class Haden Spaulding served in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and monitored all convoys and missions as a Battalion Captain for the 505th Engineer Battalion. He is currently a Readiness Non-Commissioned Officer with the 621st Design and Survey Team. WHEN: Saturday, July 14, 2007 at 7 p.m. EDT Recognition activities will take place on the Boost Urban Stage. Contact Nicole Hayes at (202) 828-6321 to coordinate specific times and locations for Soldier interviews. WHERE: Merchandise Mart, 2500 East Independence Blvd, Charlotte, N.C. About Operation Tribute to Freedom
Operation Tribute to Freedom (OTF) recognizes and honors Soldiers returning from operations in Iraq and Afghanistan through speaking and recognition events in communities across the country. For more information, visit http://www.army.mil/otf.