LANSING, Mich. — Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, the Commander-in-Chief of the Michigan National Guard, addressed 84 soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 182nd Field Artillery Regiment, along with their families and invited guests, at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Churchas they prepared to depart for their deployment to the Middle East.

“Itwas an honor to join the 182nd regiment as they departfor their latest mission,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The Michigan National Guard is known nationwide for their professionalism and dedication, and they have stepped up to protect and serve us all through unprecedented challenges over the last few years. As they once again answer the call of duty, our responsibility is to have their backs. Together, we will continue supporting our service members and military families and await their safe return.”

“The support, sacrifice and adaptability of our military families during long separations is critical to the success of our Soldiers as they deploy overseas in support of U.S. Central Command,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Lawrence E. Schloegl, assistant adjutant general and deputy director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. “We will support these families as they support their loved ones serving our nation.”

This will be the fifth deployment since 9/11 for the 1-182nd FAR, known by their slogan, ‘Sudden Death Battalion.’ The unit’s last deployment was September 2015 to the CENTCOM Theatre in support of Operation Spartan Shield and Operation Inherent Resolve. The Soldiers are anticipated to be deployed for up to a year.

“Our Soldiers will simultaneously be supporting Operation Spartan Shield in the Middle East to strengthen our defense relationships and build partner nation capacity. Additionally, the Soldiers will provide Artillery support to Operation Inherent Resolve,” said U.S. Army Maj. Richie Sands, commander of the 182nd FAR. “Our Soldiers operate the High Mobility Rocket System (HIMARS) and will integrate into joint exercises and security cooperation activities to help bring stability to the region.”

The 1st Battalion, 182nd Field Artillery Regiment achieved the highest retention rate in the Michigan Army National Guard and increased its ability to provide timely and accurate fires in contested environments.