09.07.14

Hoeven Honors Guard Members, Families at Send-Off Ceremony in Fargo

FARGO, N.D. – Senator John Hoeven today joined with the community to honor 15 members of the North Dakota National Guard who will soon deploy for a mission in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Hoeven thanked the soldiers and their families for their sacrifices during a send-off ceremony at the Army Aviation Support Facility.

“Today we honor these brave soldiers and their loved ones who are answering our nation’s call to serve – many for their second or third time,” Hoeven said. “The work you are doing may be thousands of miles away, but you are protecting all of us here at home with courage and selflessness. We thank you for your sacrifices. We also thank your families for their sacrifice, because in a very real way, they also serve. We know that you will complete this new mission with courage and dedication, and we pray for your safe return.”

Members of the North Dakota Army National Guard's 231st Brigade Support Battalion Logistical Support Element are leaving for a yearlong deployment in Afghanistan to provide support to U.S. Central Command units. They will assist other units in managing supplies, maintenance, transportation and preparing cargo for movement. The soldiers are headquartered in Fargo and come from five North Dakota and Minnesota communities. The support element is commanded by Capt. Nicolette Daschendorf and First Sgt. Kevin Magstadt.

This will be the third deployment for three of the soldiers in the unit, and the second for eight of the soldiers. Brothers Sgt. First Class Nick Kane of Horace and Sgt. Tom Kane of Fargo are deploying together with the unit.

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