Kalamazoo Times

A ceremony was held in early April to honor 350 soldiers from the Michigan Army National Guard before their deployment to the Middle East. 

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.), the commander in chief of the Michigan National Guard, addressed soldiers from the Michigan Army National Guard 156th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB) as they prepared to deploy to the Middle East, according to a press release from the governor's office. Two separate ceremonies were held, at Howell High School and Battle Creek Air National Guard Base, to accommodate 350 soldiers, their families, and guests. 

“As our world yet again faces historic challenges, the Michigan National Guard is ready to support our nation as we continue to secure our safety through our presence overseas,” Whitmer said, according to the press release. “The Michiganders who serve our state and nation in uniform are the best of us. Their service and the sacrifices that their loved ones make keep us safe. They have our unwavering support as they embark on this new deployment, and we will continue supporting our military families here at home.” 

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lawrence E. Schloegl, assistant adjutant general and deputy director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, spoke as well.

“As our soldiers prepare to deploy, the Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office plays an integral role in support of our military operations and preparing families for the challenges of deployment,” Schloegl said, according to the press release. “Prior to deployment, soldiers and their families attended a Yellow Ribbon Program event designed to educate, assist, and provide resources to help support families and minimize any hardships related to deployments.”

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Samuel LaBara, commander of the 156th ESB, talked about plans for the mission.

“We will be operating under Operation Spartan Shield and fall in with U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM),” LaBara said, according to the press release. “We will be the backbone transmission for all network requirements and will enable uninterrupted mission command in CENTCOM, providing voice and data communications for units and operations within the region and contingency communications support.”

This is the 156th ESB's first deployment and the soldiers will be deployed for up to a year, the press release noted.