Wisconsin National Guard Soldiers Deploy to U.S. Central Command and Africa

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Written By Richard Perdomo

At Volk Field Air National Guard Base on Sept. 28, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers, alongside senior leaders of the Wisconsin National Guard, gathered with family and friends for a formal sendoff ceremony for over 300 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers.

It’s fitting to be here at the Wisconsin Military Reservation, now known as Camp Williams and Volk Field,” said Brig. Gen. David May, Wisconsin’s interim adjutant general. Since 1888, Wisconsin National Guard members have trained here, and from this very site, we’ve sent Soldiers and Airmen off to every conflict since the Spanish American War.

The majority of the deploying Soldiers, from Company A and Company C of the 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, Company C of the 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, and members of the 457th Chemical Company, will be deployed to various locations within the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Fewer than 10 Soldiers from the Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery Regiment, will head to the Horn of Africa to support the U.S. Africa Command mission.

Throughout the ceremony, Wisconsin National Guard leaders reflected on the Guard’s rich history. Command Sgt. Maj. Duane Weyer spoke about the legacy of Midwestern professionalism and the cyclical nature of history.

Exactly twenty years ago, 128th Soldiers were training with the Tennessee National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Mississippi, preparing for deployment to U.S. Central Command, Weyer said. Today, many of the same Soldiers will again meet with the 278th as they prepare to deploy overseas.

Brig. Gen. Matthew Strub, Wisconsin’s deputy adjutant general for Army, emphasized that the National Guard’s roots go back almost 400 years, but the focus is on perseverance.

Every generation of Guardsmen has faced its own unique challenges. The mission remains the same: protect the nation, defend our way of life, and support one another, Strub said.

Brig. Gen. May stressed the importance of the U.S. military’s presence overseas, especially during these uncertain times.

“As global tensions rise, our presence signals stability, strength, and a commitment to peace,” May noted. “Our allies seek reassurance from us, and our adversaries take notice, pausing because of our resolve.”

Governor Evers expressed his gratitude to the Soldiers for their service to Wisconsin and the nation.

You’re about to write a new chapter in Wisconsin’s history through your service, Evers said, adding that the state will support Soldiers’ families while they’re deployed and thanked civilian employers for providing job security for returning Soldiers.

Strub encouraged the Soldiers to remember the legacy they’re upholding.

You are a testament to the enduring spirit of the National Guard—a force always ready to respond. You are part of a legacy that won’t falter or fade and will inspire future generations, he said.

Brig. Gen. May echoed these sentiments, reminding the Soldiers of the difference they will make on the global stage.

Carry with you the pride of Wisconsin, the strength of the U.S. military, and the knowledge that your actions will make a worldwide impact, May said. Wisconsin units always uphold a standard of excellence, and I have no doubt you will continue that tradition.

The Soldiers will undergo mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas, before their overseas deployment. They are expected to return to Wisconsin in the fall of 2025.

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