Hundreds Of Soldiers From State’s National Guard Will Deploy To Middle East

Over 600 Indiana National Guard soldiers will deploy to the Middle East, WTHR reports.

The soldiers will be part of Operation Spartan Shield and spend a month in Texas before deploying to Kuwait.

Why is the Indiana National Guard deploying to the Middle East?

— Natalie Winters (@nataliegwinters) September 27, 2024

“On Wednesday, we gathered to honor the brave Guardsmen of the 38th Infantry Division during their departure ceremony as they prepare to deploy to the Middle East. Let’s keep them and their families in our hearts. We’ll be waiting for your safe return!” the Indiana National Guard wrote.

On Wednesday, we gathered to honor the brave Guardsmen of the 38th Infantry Division during their departure ceremony as they prepare to deploy to the Middle East. Let’s keep them and their families in our hearts. We’ll be waiting for your safe return! pic.twitter.com/Sl9c4OPvbK

— Indiana National Guard (@NationalGuardIN) September 27, 2024

Per WTHR:

Wednesday, Sept. 25 was a chance for the families and their state to say thank you as the soldiers get ready to leave.

“You are the best among us,” Holcomb told the soldiers as they head off to a part of the world that will include an area designated a combat zone.

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“The state of Indiana, your friends and family back home, we have your back knowing that you have ours every second of the day,” Holcomb said.

The danger these soldiers could face was not lost on the governor as he stood before the men and women deploying, their families sitting in the audience.

“To protect and defend our way of life, this is something very few do. Many, in fact, would be scared to go when they learn the orders you’re in receipt of. They’re happy it’s you, not them,” Holcomb told the soldiers.

WATCH:

Hundreds of #Indiana National Guard soldiers with the 38th Infantry Division deployed tonight, ahead of their mission in the Middle East.

A huge THANK YOU to all these women and men for their service to our country!

Read more https://t.co/B9OoEmnwwm pic.twitter.com/I965Htz481

— Chelsea Helms (@ChelseaHelms1) September 25, 2024

Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb, a Republican, has also thrown his support behind Ukraine.

Holcomb visited Ukraine and met with Zelenskyy.

The Republican governor said he was “honored to be the first U.S. governor to meet with President Zelenskyy in Kyiv since the invasion began.”

#INUkraine | Honored to be the first U.S. governor to meet with President @ZelenskyyUa in Kyiv since the invasion began. Discussed #Indiana’s unwavering support for #Ukraine and the ongoing partnership between our people . https://t.co/iCApI1hrkw

— Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) September 5, 2024

From the National Guard:

Approximately 600 Indiana National Guard Soldiers with the 38th Infantry Division bid farewell to loved ones during a departure ceremony at Camp Atterbury Sept. 25.

The division troops will deploy to the Middle East to support Operation Spartan Shield, the U.S. operation to strengthen defense relationships and build partner capacity through leader engagements, multinational exercises and response planning.

“The men and women assembled here today have answered the call to serve our state and nation,” said Maj. Gen. Dan Degelow, the division’s commanding general. “You warriors have trained for this important mission, you have given and continue to give of yourselves, and you stand ready for what lies ahead.”

What lies ahead is an overseas deployment for about nine months, with the Soldiers’ mobilization lasting approximately a year. The first stop will be at Fort Cavasos, Texas, for about a month for additional individual and unit training before heading overseas.

Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, the Indiana National Guard’s adjutant general, thanked the families for their enduring support.

This is a Guest Post from our friends over at 100 Percent Fed Up.

View the original article here.