Pennsylvania National Guard Soldiers Deploy to Middle East

Nearly 50 soldiers from the Pennsylvania National Guard's 213th Personnel Company are set for a year-long deployment to Kuwait and Jordan, as they were honored during a ceremony at Fort Indiantown Gap. Their primary mission will support U.S. Central Command's operations, which include personnel accountability, postal operations, and enhancing regional security. Capt. Michael Medvec expressed his confidence in the soldiers' capabilities, while family members shared a mix of pride and anxiety about the deployment. Among those deploying is Sgt. Alyssa Wenger, who emphasized the emotional challenge of leaving her family but expressed comfort in the support from her unit. This deployment is part of broader operations aimed at stabilizing the region and combating threats like ISIS. The unit will undergo pre-mobilization training before heading overseas.