August 16, 2019

MANCHIN SPEAKS WITH MORE THAN 500 SOLDIERS AT WEST VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT CEREMONY

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) today attended the West Virginia National Guard deployment ceremony for 500 West Virginia National Guard members who were honored before their upcoming deployment to the Middle East. 

“I am honored to attend such a patriotic event with 500 incredible soldiers and their families who are putting themselves in harm’s way to protect our nation. I commend these soldiers for their bravery and look forward to having them all arrive home safely. While they are deployed, the soldiers, their families and loved ones will be in our prayers,” said Senator Manchin.

The soldiers preparing for deployment are members of the 1st Squadron, 150th Cavalry Regiment (1-150th), which has troops located across West Virginia; in Bluefield, Holden, Salem, Red House, and Glen Jean. Additional portions of the 1-150th are assigned to the North Carolina National Guard. These 500-plus deploying soldiers will be joining forces with additional soldiers from Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina, combining to create the 30th Armored Brigade Team, which will consist of 4,200 soldiers in total. All units of this team will travel to Ft. Bliss, Texas and spend the next 40-60 days making final preparations for their deployment to the Middle East in support of Operation Spartan Shield. Their mission will be to sustain theater readiness to conduct unified land operations and to support partner nations in making the region safer.

###