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LANSING -- The Michigan National Guard on Monday welcomed home around 1,000 soldiers as they returned from the U.S. Capitol support mission in Washington, D.C.
The National Guard members had been deployed since Jan. 29 to the National Capitol Region, where they augmented the District of Columbia National Guard and U.S. Capitol Police in support of the Post Inaugural Security Mission.
MING personnel performed a variety of duties, such as providing additional security, training and logistical support, officials said in a news release.
"The men and women of the Michigan National Guard have always stepped up whenever called upon and their support for the Capitol region was no different," Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in the release. "We are so happy to welcome them home and proud of their service and professionalism. Their dedication and conduct are a credit to the State of Michigan and our nation."
Soldiers from the 177th Military Police Brigade and the 107th Engineer Battalion, who officials say made up a majority of the Michigan National Guard contingent that provided support, were welcomed home by MING senior leaders. U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, and Command Sgt. Maj. William Russell III welcomed home soldiers in Detroit while Assistant Adjutant Gens. for MING-Army, Brig. Gens. Lawrence E. Schloegl and Scott W. Hiipakka, greeted soldiers in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Alpena.
"Our soldiers are true professionals and did an outstanding job protecting our nation's capital," Col. Chris McKinney, Task Force Independence commander during the Capitol Response mission, and commander of the 177th MP Brigade, said in the release. "Whether the mission is overseas, within the state of Michigan or throughout the country, we are always ready to respond."
"We are thankful for the sacrifices our members make and the support they receive from their families and communities," said Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. "The Michigan National Guard is ready to serve our state and nation whenever the opportunity arises, but we are always glad to have the soldiers return home."
Prior to the Post Inaugural Security Mission, the Michigan National Guard also supported the inauguration of President Joe Biden on Jan. 20 with about 700 soldiers and airmen, according to the release.
The MING continues to support COVID-19 response efforts across the state of Michigan.
The soldiers who supported the D.C. mission were screened for COVID-19 prior to departure, several times while there and tested again upon return, according to the release.
COVID-19 vaccinations were also offered to the soldiers prior to departure, officials said.