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Frazier honored for military service
by Charles S. Williams
(Photo caption) Charles S. Williams/staff photo-ORDER OF LONG LEAF PINE-Among the many awards presented to CSM James Frazier, right, at his retirement ceremony was the "Order of the Long Leaf Pine," one of the most prestigious honors awarded by the governor. Presenting the award was CSM Henry Woodruff.
A retirement ceremony for Command Sgt. Major James Michael Frazier was held Saturday at the North Wilkesboro National Guard Armory. Frazier has served as the command sergeant major of the 505th Engineer Battalion since Oct. 1, 2004.
He is also retiring as a full-time federal technician with the N.C. Army National Guard Field Maintenance Shop No. 7 in Winston-Salem.
Frazier and his wife, Annie, reside on the Brushy Mountains. They have two children, Sara and Robbie, and three grandsons, Seth, Lucas and Samuel.
Frazier enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in June 1970. In 1972, he transferred to the N.C. Army National Guard and was assigned as a vehicle driver to the 1453rd Transportation Company of North Wilkesboro.
Among CSM's awards are: Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal (two), Army Achievement Medal (three), Army Good Conduct Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (11), National Defense Service Medal (two), Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal (four), Iraqi Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (three, with "M" device), NCO Professional Development Ribbon (four), Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon (five), N.C. Meritorious Service Medal, N.C. Commendation Medal (two), N.C. Achievement Medal (two), N.C. State Active Duty Ribbon (15), N.C. Service Award (seven), Florida Meritorious Service Ribbon, California Counterdrug Service Ribbon, N.C. Governor's Unit Citation (two), N.C. Meritorious Unit Citation, Combat Action Badge, U.S. Army Mechanics Badges, U.S. Army Driver's Badge, and Order of the Bronze deFleury Medal.
At the ceremony on Saturday, Frazier was presented with the Legion of Merit, which is approved at the First Army level, "for exceptionally meritorious service while serving in various positions of increasing responsibilities, culminating as command sergeant major. The award was presented by Col. Timothy Houser, the brigade commander.
He also received the N.C. Distinguished Service Medal, presented by Ltc. Luke Burnett, battalion commander, as well as the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, which is awarded by the State of North Carolina and was presented by CSM Henry Woodruff. The award is given by the governor to residents in recognition of a proven record of service or some other special achievement.
The other presentations included a National Guard Association retirement certificate, and a certificate of appreciation from the President of the United States. Representatives from other National Guard units in the area presented Frazier with gifts.
Frazier told those present, "I thank the good Lord above for letting me be here with all of these great people. It has been an honor to serve. Less than 1 percent of Americans wear the uniform now, but you are the reason we're all here today." |
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