Indiana National Guard troops
National Guard engineers return home from Middle East
Contributed By:The 411 News
Conducted construction and route clearance missions
Nearly 300 Indiana National Guard soldiers from the 1313th Engineer Company and 113th Engineer Battalion landed at the Gary/Chicago Airport from the Middle East on Wednesday. During their overseas mobilization, the engineer elements supported a number of on-going operations across the Middle East.
"Our mission was to manage a task force of over 1,000 soldiers across eight countries within the region conducting engineer construction and route clearance missions," said Maj. Derek Sutton, the executive officer for the 113th Engineer Battalion, referred to as Task Force Ironman while deployed. "We successfully oversaw force protection measures of critical air defense assets to protect our allies."
National Guard senior leaders Brig. Gen. Dale Lyles, Command Sgt. Maj. Dale Shetler, and a caravan of socially-distanced family members welcomed soldiers from the Northwestern and Central Indiana regions at their arrival.
"I could not be more proud of our soldiers and the critical role our engineers played in supporting the vital missions for Operation Spartan Shield," said Brig. Gen. Dale Lyles, Indiana National Guard adjutant general. "Our Hoosier Guardsmen continue to exceed the standards at home and abroad."
In addition to local missions related to the state's COVID-19 and civil unrest responses, the Indiana National Guard deployed more than 500 soldiers and airmen abroad in 2020. The Indiana National Guard, comprised of more than 13,000 Hoosier service members and civilian employees, continues Indiana's proud tradition of military service.
Story Posted:09/19/2020
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