BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined the community in honoring members of a Williston-based North Dakota National Guard unit deploying soon for a mission in Afghanistan. Hoeven commended the soldiers and their families for their service to the country and thanked them for their sacrifices at a send-off ceremony at the Bismarck Civic Center.

“The members of the 818th Engineer Company deserve our thanks and praise,” Hoeven said. “These soldiers represent the best of our state, and we know they will show skill and honor as they begin their mission in Afghanistan. We are proud of their service. We support their mission. And we look forward to welcoming each of these soldiers home when they have completed their work.”

Nearly 100 members of the 818th Engineer Company (Sapper), which is based in Williston with a detachment in Hazen, will deploy on a year-long mission as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. The soldiers will train first at Fort Bliss, Texas, before continuing their service in Afghanistan.

Hoeven is a member of the Senate Appropriations Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee.