Washington Co. commissioners help effort to recognize National Guard Unit

More than a year after Channel 11 first reported on a push to get a Washington County National Guard group recognized, county commissioners are joining in.

"All I want to do is honor these guys," Monongahela historian Walter Seal said.

Seal has devoted much of the last three years to a National Guard unit led by Captain William Catlin.

Seal believes Catlin's unit was the first all black National Guard unit in Pennsylvania, and possibly nationwide.

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The Monongahela-based unit was disbanded in 1877 and seemingly forgotten by history.

But Seal has made it his mission to make sure the unit is properly honored by the National Guard: he's now enlisted the help of local leaders.

"We just want to make sure these men get their place in history," county commissioner Larry Maggi said. He and his fellow commissioners sent a letter earlier this year to the National Guard about the men.

As a veteran, Maggi told Channel 11 it's important the unit's contributions are recognized.

"It still shows you what our country was about then and how much we've progressed since then," Maggi said. "It's a big part of Washington County history and we're proud of these young men."

"Many times I would like to give up, but I think these men from Company F are pushing me to keep going," Seal said.

Maggi said he's working with the National Guard and getting the unit recognized.

Channel 11 contacted the National Guard and are still waiting on a response.

Cox Media Group