[T]he head of the Vermont National Guard announced Tuesday that hundreds of members will be deployed overseas in about a month.
Political leaders, including the congressional delegation and Gov. Peter Shumlin, quickly weighed in with words of support, noting that the announcement came just before Thanksgiving.
The Guard said the 158th Fighter Wing has been deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of operations, which oversees efforts to combat terrorism, including in the Middle East, northern Africa and South Asia. The unit has about 1,100 airmen.
Maj. Gen. Steven Cray, the state’s adjutant general, said at a news conference that “a few hundred” members of the unit would be deployed in about 30 days. He declined to give a more specific number and would not say exactly where the troops would be going. They are expected to be gone several months.
Capt. Dyana Allen said the deployment was done on “short notice.” Typical deployments give the troops months to prepare. The usual deployment lasts 60 to 180 days.
“It is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our airmen that the Department of Defense has asked the Vermont National Guard to fill an open requirement by U.S. Central Command to bring the fight to our adversaries,” Cray said.
The last deployment was in 2015 when several hundred Guard members were sent overseas for three months, Allen said. The entire Vermont Guard — Air and Army — has about 3,800 members.
In addition to those heading overseas soon, about 100 airmen are serving in various locations around the world, Allen said.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., who is co-chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus, praised the men and women who would answer the call.
“Our country knows that when you call in the Green Mountain Boys, you’re calling in the best. Their outstanding reputation has been earned through skill and sacrifice. Our pride in them is matched by our gratitude to them, their families, their employers and their communities,” Leahy said.
Leahy said the stresses that deployments place on Guard families are significant. “It is important that we come together as a state to support not only our fellow Vermonters serving overseas, but everyone affected by their departure,” he said. “The burden of separation falls on loved ones and employers, and it is so important that their sacrifices and contributions do not go unnoticed or unappreciated.”
Rep. Peter Welch, D-Vt., also thanked Guard members for their sacrifice around the holidays.
“This is a particularly tough time of year for Guard members to leave their families, jobs and communities,” he said in a statement. “As we have in the past, I know that all Vermonters will join together to support those being deployed as well as the families they leave behind. The Vermont Air Guard truly represents the best of Vermont. I am humbled by their service and thankful for their sacrifice.”
Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said the Guard has been recognized for its training and readiness.
“As is the case with any deployment, my thoughts are with the service members being sent overseas and their families. In Vermont, I am confident that we will all do everything we can to support those families in their time of need, as we look forward to the safe and speedy return of the Guard members,” Sanders said.
Shumlin said he took pride in the Vermont National Guard’s ability and professionalism.
“I know this is a difficult time for those who will be deployed. On behalf of all Vermonters, I want to extend my gratitude to these hardworking men and women and their families. They make us proud every day, and we are grateful for their service.”
(Correction: An earlier version of this story misspelled Capt. Dyana Allen’s name.)
