Local PA National Guard Members Receive Sendoff Before Deployment to Texas Border

SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER

Local PA National Guard Members Receive Sendoff Before Deployment to Texas Border

Community Gathers to Honor Soldiers Heading to Support Border Operations

In a heartfelt ceremony, the community bid farewell to members of the Pennsylvania National Guard as they prepared for deployment to the Texas border.

Families and friends gathered at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown to support the soldiers of the 252nd Engineer Company.

Lt. Colonel Justin Wolfe, the unit's commander, emphasized the dual purpose of the event: "It's to allow families to say farewell to their sons and daughters and husbands and wives, and also for the soldiers to know that the community is here supporting them for their upcoming deployment."

The troops have undergone extensive training to prepare for their mission.

First Sergeant Brian Reighard detailed the preparations: "They go through unarmed, kind of like hand-to-hand combat training in case they encounter someone who is hostile. They'll also go through various online training to give them certifications and knowledge on what they're going to have to deal with when they get down there."

Specialist Caleb Sheilds expressed confidence in his leadership and camaraderie within the unit.

His mother ensured he had a proper sendoff with a home-cooked meal, stating, "We're going to have meatloaf and mashed potatoes. I think most of it is just enjoying family company."

This deployment comes amid ongoing discussions about the role of state National Guard units in border security.

Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Senate passed a resolution urging Governor Josh Shapiro to deploy National Guard troops to the southern border.

However, Governor Shapiro declined, emphasizing the need for comprehensive immigration reform and expressing concerns about involving Pennsylvania troops in what he described as political disputes at the border.

Despite the political debates, the focus remains on the soldiers and their families as they embark on this mission.

The community's support underscores the deep appreciation for their service and the sacrifices they make.