Charlotte, N.C. – Governor Pat McCrory joined members of the North Carolina National Guard, military and veterans for the Carolinas Freedom Foundation Breakfast this morning to recognize and thank the Guard for their work during the unrest in Charlotte and in eastern North Carolina following Hurricane Matthew.
“Thanks to the heroism and leadership of the North Carolina National Guard, North Carolinians know that if disaster strikes in our state, there are Guardsmen and women that are Always Ready,” said Governor McCrory. “As governor, I have seen first-hand their unwavering dedication and compassion during emergencies, civil unrest and weather events including winter storms, hurricanes, tornadoes and floods. Our Guardsmen and women represent the very best of North Carolina.”
In late September, more than 400 National Guard troops were positioned in Charlotte for six days to help local police protect property and restore peace following widespread unrest. Their professionalism was apparent as protesters in the street lined up to shake hands and hug our Guardsmen and women to thank them for their service.
Shortly after the incident in Charlotte, Hurricane Matthew struck and more than 1,100 National Guard troops were deployed to eastern and central North Carolina to support rescue efforts. The Guard played an integral role in completing more than 2,000 successful rescues.
Since Governor McCrory entered office in 2013, he has worked to make North Carolina the most military and veteran-friendly state in the nation. To support National Guard and military members, veterans and their families, the governor has championed many initiatives including the creation of the N.C. Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, implementing in-state tuition for veterans at universities and community colleges, funding veteran treatment courts and giving credit for military experience when veterans apply for positions including law enforcement, truck drivers and educators. These efforts have helped cut the North Carolina veteran unemployment rate in half since 2013.
To build on this progress, Governor McCrory championed the Connect NC bond which included $70 million for three National Guard Readiness Centers.
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