BISMARCK, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today thanked members of the North Dakota National Guard’s 188th Engineer Company (Vertical) from a nearly 12-month deployment to Kuwait. The unit’s 160 deployed soldiers have successfully completed a construction-oriented mission that included the completion of approximately 160 missions with projects including major renovations and building construction.

“We are proud to welcome each member of the 188th Engineer Company home to North Dakota,” said Hoeven. “These individuals have accomplished a remarkable number of projects with both skill and dedication during the course of their deployment, demonstrating the exceptional character and resolve of North Dakota’s National Guard. We are grateful for the important work these soldiers accomplished, and extend our deepest thanks to each soldier and their family.”

The 188th Engineer Company (Vertical) is based in Wahpeton and Oakes. The unit’s soldiers come from nearly 70 communities from across the state and are skilled primarily in construction trades, including masonry, carpentry and plumbing.

Approximately 20 members of the North Dakota Air National Guard remain deployed overseas. An additional 150 North Dakota Army National Guard members are deployed in Kosovo and Afghanistan.