Commander:
Chris Smith
|
Franklinton American Legion Post 5240 American Legion Road, Franklinton, NC 27525 |
Home Site Map MyLegion.org |
|
|
Franklinton American Legion Post 5240 American Legion Road, Franklinton, NC 27525 |
Home Site Map MyLegion.org |
Chris enlisted in the North Carolina Army National Guard in 1993. He attended Basic Combat Training (BCT) at Fort Jackson, South Carolina, and Advanced Individual Training (AIT) at Fort Lee, VA, where he trained as a Petroleum Supply Specialist (77F). Returning to North Carolina, he served through the rank of Specialist at the 540th Quartermaster Battalion in Lenoir, NC, and the 1-130th Attack Helicopter Battalion NCARNG in Raleigh, NC.
In 1998, Chris was Commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the North Carolina Army National Guard through ROTC after receiving a Bachelor of Science degree at North Carolina State University. Chris attended the Infantry Officer Basic Course (IOBC) at Fort Benning, GA, and returned to North Carolina, serving as an Infantry Platoon Leader. Later he became Detachment Commander in the 1-120 Infantry Regiment of the 30th Heavy Separate Brigade NCARNG in units in Lumberton, Roseboro, and Smithfield, NC.
Chris was called to active service in October 2003 and deployed as Executive Officer (1st Lieutenant) of B Co. 1-120th out of Smithfield, NC, as part of the 30th HSB in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). The 30th was attached to the 1st Infantry Division (Big Red 1). B Company occupied battle space north and east of Bagdad in the Diyala Province as part of the 1-150th Armor Battalion of the West Virginia ARNG. As Company Executive Officer, it was Chris' job to support the Company Commander in all operations, run the maintenance program for 16 Bradley Fighting Vehicles (BFV) and execute tactical missions in the battle space as part of the Battalion's effort to stabilize the region by eliminating al-Qaeda jihadists opposed to U.S. Forces and the new Iraqi government. Upon redeployment to North Carolina in January 2005, Chris resigned from his Commission and exited the NCARNG in March 2005. This action culminates twelve years of service to the citizens of N.C. in the ARNG, with six years in the enlisted ranks and six years as an officer.
Chris joined American Legion Post 52 in 2009. He resides in Youngsville with his wife Cathy and son Sam. He is employed as a Registered Forester, serving his profession as a North Carolina Forestry Association committee member. He enjoys deer hunting and serving fellow Veterans and their families in Franklin County.