Tennessee National Guard Finance Detachment Deploys to Middle East

Around 25 Tennessee National Guardsmen deployed Tuesday for a year-long deployment to the Middle East.

“We have an incredibly professional and well-trained team,” said Capt. Jeffry Rennert, commander of the 1130th Finance Detachment, according to a press release from the Tennessee Department of Military. “We have been working hard to prepare for this mission over the past year, and I could not be any prouder of what my Raptors (unit’s mascot) have accomplished to get ready.”

The unit will first deploy Kuwait and later will send teams to neighboring nations to support other deployed military units.

“Once we are in Kuwait, we will be sending two teams of finance experts to nearby countries,” said Rennert. “It will be a very active and dynamic mission, requiring our Soldiers to be flexible. With the best leaders and financial experts in Tennessee, we stand ready and able to showcase the Volunteer state.”

“While it is hard to say goodbye to our families and friends, we are all looking forward to doing the job we trained for,” said Rennert. “And returning home after a successful mission.”

The 1130th Financial Management Support Detachment returned from a deployment from Kuwait in 2019.

Last week, Tennessee National Guardsmen from the 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion were deployed to Louisiana to help contain the largest wildfire in that state’s history.

“Gov. Bill Lee authorized the Tennessee National Guard to provide this critical air-firefighting support to Louisiana in coordination with the Tennessee and Louisiana Emergency Management Agencies,” the Department of Military said. “Through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, states can request relief and recovery support from other states during and after disasters.”

“Two UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters from Knoxville’s 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion were sent to the Pelican State equipped with a specialized bucket system called Bambi Buckets to deliver hundreds of gallons of water from the air to fight the wildfires,” The Tennessee Star reported. “According to the Department of Military, the helicopters will pick up water from nearby water sources and drop it directly in needed areas.”

Those troops will remain in Louisiana for an unspecified period.

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Pete D’Abrosca is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow Pete on X / Twitter.
Photo “Tennessee National Guard Members” by Tennessee National Guard.