Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont National Guard’s 158th Fighter Wing has been tasked with a short-notice mobilization, according to a statement released Tuesday by Major General Steven Cray. Over the next few weeks, several hundred Airmen and equipment will depart in order to support the US Central Command’s Area of Responsibility, encompassing Northeast Africa, the Middle East, to Central and South Asia. Cray, the adjutant general, Vermont National Guard, thanked the families and employers of the VT Air National Guard for their unwavering support and commitment to their service.
General Cray with Governor Shumlin and Senator Leahy in December 2013. VBM photo.
“I am extremely proud of the Wing leadership and our Airmen who have stepped up for a mission they are trained to do,” said Cray. “It is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of our Airmen that the Department of Defense has asked the Vermont National Guard to fill an open requirement by US Central Command to bring the fight to our adversaries.
”This deployment is in addition to the nearly 100 Soldiers and Airmen that the Vermont National Guard currently has deployed around the world."
Governor Peter Shumlin, Senators Patrick Leahy (D-Vermont) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) and Congressman Peter Welch issued the following statements related to the announced deployment of the 158th Fighter Wing to the Central Command Area of Operations.
Leahy, co-chair of the Senate National Guard Caucus said: “The brave men and women of the Vermont Air National Guard once again are answering the call. Our country knows that when you call in the Green Mountain Boys, you’re calling in the best. Their outstanding reputation has been earned through skill and sacrifice. Our pride in them is matched by our gratitude to them, their families, their employers and their communities. Marcelle and I continue to be humbled by their tireless devotion to Vermont and the nation. We are so proud of all that the Air Guard does, and we are behind them throughout this process.
Leahy continued: “The stresses that deployments place on Guard families are many, and they are constant. It is important that we come together as a state to support not only our fellow Vermonters serving overseas, but everyone affected by their departure. The burden of separation falls on loved ones and employers, and it is so important that their sacrifices and contributions do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Marcelle and I will have the men and women of the Vermont Air National Guard and their families in our thoughts and prayers throughout the coming months.”
US Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) said: "The Vermont Air Guard has been recognized for its high degree of training and readiness. As is the case with any deployment, my thoughts are with the service members being sent overseas and their families. In Vermont, I am confident that we will all do everything we can to support those families in their time of need, as we look forward to the safe and speedy return of the Guard members."
Governor Peter Shumlin issued the following statement: “The brave men and women of the Vermont National Guard are truly Vermont’s finest. Time and again, they have shown incredible effectiveness and resolve when answering the call of their state and nation. As their Governor, I take immense pride in their ability and professionalism. I know this is a difficult time for those who will be deployed. On behalf of all Vermonters, I want to extend my gratitude to these hard working men and women and their families. They make us proud every day, and we are grateful for their service.”
Representative Peter Welch (D-Vermont) said: “The brave men and women of the Vermont Air Guard have my full support for a successful mission and a safe and speedy return home. This is a particularly tough time of year for Guard members to leave their families, jobs and communities. As we have in the past, I know that all Vermonters will join together to support those being deployed as well as the families they leave behind. The Vermont Air Guard truly represents the best of Vermont. I am humbled by their service and thankful for their sacrifice.”
Source: (TUESDAY, Nov. 23, 2016) -- VTANG