Gov. Pillen, Other Leaders Visit with Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers Before D.C. Mission

LINCOLN, Neb. – Governor Jim Pillen, Lt. Governor. Joe Kelly, and Maj. Gen. Craig Strong, Nebraska Adjutant General, visited with Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers and hundreds of their family members at the Nebraska National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters on Sunday, March 1, during a private event before the Soldiers departed for a four-month mission to Washington, D.C.

The Soldiers – who are members of Nebraska Army National Guard Cavalry, Infantry and Military Police units – are deploying to Washington, D.C., at the request of senior leaders at National Guard Bureau as Guard troops from several states rotate home after having served in Washington, D.C., for the past several months.

Approximately 190 Nebraska Army National Guard Soldiers are part of the deployment, which was announced by Governor Pillen during a press conference at the Nebraska National Guard’s Joint Force Headquarters on January 22.

While in Washington, D.C., the Soldiers will be assigned to Joint Task Force D.C., which has been assisting local law enforcement officials since late summer. Strong said the Nebraska Soldiers’ primary mission is expected to be in the areas of monument security, entry control management and roving presence patrols.

"From its inception, Washington, D.C. was created separately from the states. Its position is unique as our federal seat of government and its protection and security are the responsibility of us all. Nebraska is proud to do its part, as our nation's capital prepares to welcome thousands of visitors for the upcoming 250th anniversary celebrations," said Governor Jim Pillen. "I am grateful to our many Soldiers who are taking part in this deployment, and I appreciate their service over the coming months,"

Maj. Gen. Strong echoed those thoughts.
“This mission you are about to do is pretty unique,” said Maj. Gen. Strong. “You are going to be serving in our nation’s capital and assisting local law enforcement offices and partner agencies in ensuring that Washington, D.C., remains safe and secure. It is a noble mission.”

“This also means that you will undoubtedly be coming into contact with members of the local Washington, D.C. community or people who are visiting the city during the course of your duties,” Strong said. “My expectation for you – as it is in every mission that we take on – is that you will conduct your mission with the absolute professionalism and civility that the Nebraska National Guard and the State of Nebraska are well known for… I have no doubt that the members of this team will live up to and exceed that standard.”

The Soldiers’ mission is expected to last approximately four months.