Lansing Sun

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D-Mich.) recently addressed 350 members of the Michigan Army National Guard (MANG) at a ceremony before their deployment to the Middle East, according to a press release from the governor's office.

Whitmer, the commander-in-chief of the Michigan National Guard, addressed soldiers from the MANG 156th Expeditionary Signal Battalion (ESB) in advance of their deployment. Two separate ceremonies were held at Howell High School and Battle Creek Air National Guard Base to accommodate 350 soldiers plus their families and guests. 

“As our world yet again faces historic challenges, the Michigan National Guard is ready to support our nation as we continue to secure our safety through our presence overseas,” Whitmer said. “The Michiganders who serve our state and nation in uniform are the best of us. Their service and the sacrifices that their loved ones make keep us safe. They have our unwavering support as they embark on this new deployment, and we will continue supporting our military families here at home.” 

U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lawrence E. Schloegl, assistant adjutant general and deputy director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, spoke as well. 

“As our soldiers prepare to deploy, the Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office plays an integral role in support of our military operations and preparing families for the challenges of deployment,” Schloegl said. “Prior to deployment, soldiers and their families attended a Yellow Ribbon Program event designed to educate, assist, and provide resources to help support families and minimize any hardships related to deployments.”

U.S. Army Lt. Col. Samuel LaBara, commander of the 156th ESB, gave details on the mission. 

“We will be operating under Operation Spartan Shield and fall in with U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM),” LaBara said. “We will be the backbone transmission for all network requirements and will enable uninterrupted mission command in CENTCOM, providing voice and data communications for units and operations within the region and contingency communications support.”

This is the 156th ESB's first deployment; the battalion was established six years ago. The soldiers will be deployed for up to a year, according to the press release.