MONROE — Former members of the local Army National Guard unit, Battery B, 1st Battalion, 113th Field Artillery, had their quarterly dinner meeting Tuesday to report and celebrate their recent efforts to support the current members.

The unit is currently on active duty in Iraq. This is B Battery’s second deployment since Operation Iraqi Freedom began. The battery will not be returning until late spring.

The unit’s veterans $3,795 for the battery’s Family Support Group to ensure current financial needs are met and a good Christmas is provided for the local soldiers’ children. Hundreds of toiletry and related items were also donated.

Local residents, churches, civic groups and veterans contributed things like deodorant, toothpaste, playing cards, shavers, writing pens and more. Donations came in from as far away as Emerald Isle. After shipping expenses, $3495.10 has been designated to be turned over to the battery’s Family Support Group, the official body organized by the National Guard. The only expenses were for shipping. All time and labor were furnished by the battery’s former members and their spouses. The Family Support Group, while established for Guard families by the Guard, receives no federal or state funding. It is totally dependent on donations.

While the Bravo Battery veterans have concluded their active fundraising efforts, cash contributions will still be accepted. Checks can be mailed to Don Hendershot, 6601 Sadler Road, Waxhaw, NC 28173. Checks should be made payable to “B Battery, 1st Bn, 113th.” Also small care packages and/or letters and cards may be sent. For details on what can be mailed and soldiers and addresses to mail to contact Robert Collins at 704 351-1535.