515th Battalion To Be Honored Sept. 12 In Socorro

By John Larson

SOCORRO - The 515th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion will be honored Sunday, Sept. 12 with a “Celebration of Thanks” for serving our country.
The National Guard unit, which includes nine soldiers from Socorro, deployed to Iraq on June 22, 2009, and returned May 5 after an 11 month tour of duty.
Formerly headquartered at the National Guard Amory in Socorro, the 80 members of the battalion have been based in Belen since March 2009. The battalion’s beginnings date back to before the start of World War II as the 200th/515th Coast Artillery Regiment, formed to defend the Philippines against Japanese aggression. The anti-aircraft gun in Isidro Baca Memorial park was used by the regiment in the battle of Bataan.
Commanding Officer Lt. Col. Ken Nava refers to the battalion as “guardians of the flame.”
The welcome home celebration will commence at noon at the gazebo on the Plaza, Sept. 12.
“We are in need of contributions to purchase food for the event,” said Valerie Moore, one of the organizers. “Checks can be made out to Disabled American Veterans (DAV), 200 5th St.
“We are also in need of volunteers to help with this event,” Moore stated in an e-mail.
The free event is sponsored by the City of Socorro and Socorro County, in conjunction with the local DAV chapter.

515th Battalion To Be Honored Sept. 12 In Socorro