08.21.11

Hoeven: Deploying 188th Engineer Company Deserves Our Gratitude

WAHPETON, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today expressed gratitude for the courage and sacrifice of the North Dakota National Guard’s 188th Engineer Company, saying he’s proud that our state has so many men and women who are willing to serve their country in the military. Hoeven spoke at today’s send-off at the Blikre Activity Center in Wahpeton.

“Today, we thank these brave men and women who are willing to put their lives on hold and leave their homes and families to defend the American freedoms we all hold so dear. We are all tremendously grateful for your generous service to our country and we will do all we can to support you, both while you are overseas, and when you come back home. Like those North Dakotans who served before you, we know you will bring honor to your state and country, and we look forward to when we can welcome you home and thank you for a mission accomplished,” Hoeven said.

The Wahpeton-based unit includes soldiers from nearly 50 communities in North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, and it specializes in vertical construction missions. Its soldiers will soon deploy to Kuwait.

Hoeven serves on the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee of the Senate Appropriations Committee.