Wisconsin National Guard
(WTAQ-WLUK) — Officials confirmed troops from Wisconsin were involved in the United States’ military operations in the Middle East over the weekend.
Early Saturday morning, the U.S. and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran under the name Operation Epic Fury. The country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in the attacks. President Donald Trump said the operation was necessary because Iran’s rapidly-growing missile program was already capable of striking European and U.S. bases overseas and was nearing the ability to reach the U.S. homeland.
During a Defense Department news conference held Monday at the Pentagon, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine specifically referenced the role the Wisconsin Army National Guard played in Operation Epic Fury.
“The integrated reserve and National Guard forces have continued to demonstrate the value of America’s reserve forces, including the Wisconsin Army National Guard operating in Kuwait and Iraq, and Air National Guard units from a variety of states to include Vermont and Virginia,” Caine said.
Bridget Esser, the director of government and public affairs for the WDMA, said in part:
I can confirm participation of the Wisconsin National Guard in this operation. The Wisconsin National Guard is currently deployed to the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility in support of ongoing military operations, and Operation Epic Fury is no exception. Supporting operations in the CENTCOM AOR, and throughout the world is a normal part of our federal mission.
For reasons of operational security, we cannot divulge information about troop numbers, roles or duty location.
Esser said the Appleton-based 2nd 127th Infantry Regiment, which was sent in May to the U.S. Central Command area of operations in Kuwait and Iraq, is still deployed. However, she would not specifically confirm if that unit was involved in Operation Epic Fury.
In a social media post Monday, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said:
As we continue monitoring the war in the Middle East, Kathy and I are praying for the health, safety and safe return of our Wisconsin National Guard members currently supporting ongoing military operations overseas. We urge Wisconsinites to join us.
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