JERICHO, Vermont –
Around 350 Soldiers from the Vermont Army National Guard are deploying to the U.S. Central Command for up to one year.
Soldiers from the 3rd Battalion, 172nd Infantry (Mountain), 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain), Vermont Army National Guard, as well as about 200 additional Soldiers from New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Colorado will deploy to multiple locations across U.S. Central Command as part of 3rd Battalion.
“The Soldiers of the Mountain Battalion have worked very hard to prepare for this deployment,” said Brig. Gen. Greg Knight, adjutant general, Vermont National Guard. “They are among the best trained Soldiers in the Army National Guard, and have earned this opportunity. Vermonters should be proud of them and their continued service to our state and nation.”
The unit has been preparing for their deployment to U.S. Central Command for over a year, which has its own set of requirements and missions.
"These Soldiers raise their right hand in order to serve their community and nation," said Col. Brey Hopkins, commander, 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (MTN), Vermont Army National Guard. “They are the first out the door of almost 2,000 brigade Soldiers across six states deploying in the next four months. They are all proud, professional citizen-Soldiers and we want to ensure our family members that the full resources of the state of Vermont and the Department of Defense are here to support you in their absence".
Members of the Vermont National Guard Family Programs stand ready to support the families of Soldiers while they are deployed. Family Programs offers tax preparation services, financial counseling, Veteran's outreach, a 24-hour hotline, and much more. Unit family members are encouraged to reach out to their Family Programs Representative anytime.
In a joint statement, Senator Patrick Leahy, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Representative Peter Welch said:
“We appreciate the service of our soldiers and their families, who serve along with them. We are also grateful for their employers and friends who will be supporting them back home. As they go forward, we want them to know Vermonters have their back, and our offices stand ready to help them and their families in any way we can.”
Governor Phil Scott also provided a statement:
"I, along with all Vermonters, offer my deep appreciation and gratitude to the Vermont National Guard Soldiers who are deploying to the U.S. Central Command. Their service and sacrifice, as well as the dedication of their families, is an inspiration to us all. To the Soldiers deploying: Vermonters are with you, we're proud of you, and admire your commitment to our state and nation."
The 3-172 INF (MTN) will host a send-off ceremony at the Camp Ethan Allen Training Site on Jan. 29, at 1 p.m. The ceremony will take place on the parade field. Please arrive at the gate by 11:30 to get through security. We will conduct interviews prior to the ceremony at the Jericho Readiness Center. Media will be escorted from the gate to the JRC.