October 25, 2024
LANSING, Mich. — On October 26, approximately 120 Soldiers assigned to the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1463rd Transportation Company, based out of Battle Creek, will gather with their families and invited guests at Lakeview Middle School in Battle Creek as they prepare to depart for their deployment to the Southwest Border to support the federal law enforcement mission.
The 1463rd Transportation Company will deploy in support of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) mission along the Southwest Border. Under the direction of U.S. Northern Command and Joint Task Force North, their mission is to assist CBP. The Soldiers will provide mission enhancing support to CBP’s border security operations to enable CBP agents to conduct their law enforcement mission. The 1463rd Transportation Company last deployed to Iraq in 2008. The Soldiers are anticipated to be deployed for up to a year.
This will be the fifth deployment to the Southwest Border for the Michigan National Guard since 2020. Governor Gretchen Whitmer approved prior deployments to the Southwest Border, in 2021 and 2022 under President Joe Biden, and in 2020 under President Donald Trump.
"The Michigan National Guard is known nationwide for their professionalism, and they have stepped up to protect and serve their fellow Americans when called upon under both Democratic and Republican presidents,” said Gov. Whitmer. “Now, around 120 soldiers are preparing once again to answer the call of duty at our southern border, adding to the robust efforts that have led to border crossings hitting a four-year low. Together, we will make sure our guard members have the resources they need to carry out their missions successfully and ensure their families can thrive at home.”
"The Michigan National Guard maintains a high level of readiness and is prepared to deploy and serve at a moment’s notice,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “As these Soldiers deploy in support of U.S. Northern Command, our Family Programs Office will be there to offer support and resources to their families whose steadfast support is critical to the success of our Soldiers.”
The Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office provides support and care for service members and families of the Michigan National Guard while enhancing the readiness and well-being of their military families through information, education, programs and resources. They may be reached at 1-888-MICH-FAM.
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