By Alaina Denean Deshazo
The Selma Times Journal

Retired Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Van Carter, Command Sgt. Major Buddy Stone and Chief Warrant Officer Charles Ellis organized an Alabama Army National Guard reunion at Cedar Acres Ranch in Sardis last week.

“When you serve together, it’s a different relationship than just about anything,” Carter said. “You wear the same uniform, you eat the same food, you stay in the same area. Everything you do is together. The military is just a unique organization.”

Carter said they opened the reunion with a word of prayer and saying the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag.

Carter said it’s always a fun time to have all the men get together and exchange stories.

“Soldiers always tell war stories. You remember when we did this, you remember when we did that, and the more you tell them, the bigger they get,” Carter said with a laugh.

“They embellish on the stories, and you don’t even recognize them from year to year, but they always have a great time.”

For their reunion five years ago, 40 people made it out, but this year only 24 were able to attend.

“We had this reunion five years ago, and it was a great turnout,” Carter said.

Some members had died and some were dealing with health issues, but Carter said he was glad that those that could were able to. During the get together, Carter said they all took time recognize the members that had passed away.

“We decided amongst our group not to wait five years for the next party, that we better do it in two years in order for us to be able to all get together,” Carter said. “Five years was just too long of a period.”

Carter said he always enjoys being able to get together with friends and share stories, and said the event went well.

“It was extremely nice,” Carter said. “It just worked real, real well.”