Tennessee National Guard Returns from Washington D.C.

 

Soldiers and airmen from the Tennessee National Guard returned home from Washington D.C. Tuesday.

This, according to a press release on the Tennessee Department of Military’s website.

In response to the civil unrest in the District of Columbia and at the request of Gov. Bill Lee, more the 1,000 Soldiers and Airmen from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment and the 134th Air Refueling Wing deployed to the nation’s capital last Thursday. These Soldiers and Airmen provided additional support to the Washington D.C. National Guard, law enforcement and first responders to protect life, preserve property, and ensure public safety.

“As we’ve seen time and time again, the Tennessee National Guard can and will respond at a moment’s notice to provide capabilities and capacity,” said Maj. Gen. Jeff Holmes, Tennessee Adjutant General, in the press release.

“In less than 24 hours and without hesitation, more than 1,000 Soldiers and Airmen were able to answer the call and support our fellow guard members in Washington D.C. In true Tennessee volunteer spirit, we provided twice as many National Guard service members, more than any other state.”

The Tennessee National Guard currently had over 400 additional soldiers and airmen on duty within Tennessee supporting law enforcement and first responders, the press release said.

“We couldn’t be prouder of the discipline and professionalism displayed by our men and women who continue to support these missions and more importantly, support our communities,” Holmes said.

The total number of soldiers and airmen mobilized for various missions, to include COVID-19 response, is over 2,200. The Tennessee National Guard has more than 12,000 service members uniquely prepared to rapidly respond to the needs of Tennessee and the nation, the press release said.

As The Tennessee Star reported last week, like many major cities, Washington saw massive demonstrations in response to the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who was allegedly murdered by Minneapolis police. Many of the protests took a violent turn.

Lee activated the Tennessee National Guard last Sunday after rioters set fire to the Metro Courthouse in Nashville.

Tennessee sent soldiers from the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment to Washington to provide additional support at the request of President Donald Trump’s administration.

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Chris Butler is an investigative journalist at The Tennessee Star. Follow Chris on Facebook. Email tips to [email protected].