Some 500 Guard Soldiers of 29th Infantry Division Deploy to Middle East in Arlington Ceremony
ARLINGTON, Va. — About 500 Virginia and Maryland National Guard soldiers of the 29th Infantry Division held a deployment ceremony in Arlington on Oct. 3 before heading to the Middle East for Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve, EIN Presswire reported. The solemn ceremony drew soldiers' families and dignitaries.
The 29th Infantry Division is a key combat formation of the Army National Guard, spanning Virginia, Maryland and other states. The deploying soldiers will carry out security cooperation, force protection and regional stability missions, with the deployment expected to last about a year.
Military leaders saluted the deploying troops at the ceremony, thanking them for their service and sacrifice — and thanking the military families standing behind them. One deploying soldier said that while leaving family is hard, he is proud to serve and defend the nation.
Representatives of the Virginia and Maryland governments attended, pledging to look after the soldiers' families during the deployment with needed support services. Community groups said they will organize outreach to accompany military families through the deployment.
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 弗吉尼亚州阿灵顿国家公墓，Wikimedia Commons，Public domain
