Nevada Guardsmen Deploy for Southern Border Mission

Nevada Army National Guard Mobilizes Soldiers to Southern Border

By Staff Sgt. Adrianne Lopez, Nevada National Guard

STEAD, Nev. - The Nevada Army National Guard's 1859th Light-Medium Transportation Company has mobilized 125 soldiers to the U.S. southern border to support the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, marking the unit's first mobilization in its 10-year history.

The company's mobilization contributes to the broader southern border mission. Joint Task Force-Southern Border conducts operations in support of the Department of Homeland Security to secure the border, disrupt transnational criminal organizations and respond to national security threats.

The Soldiers will provide ground operations, security support and reconnaissance to help federal partners secure the U.S.-Mexico border. Families, friends and senior leaders gathered Oct. 18 at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Stead to wish the unit farewell during its mobilization ceremony.

Brig. Gen. Randy Lau, Nevada Army National Guard land component commander, addressed the formation as Soldiers prepared to leave their communities for the mission.

"Soldiers, I am proud of you," Lau said. "Your families are proud of you. The great state of Nevada is proud of you. And our nation is counting on you."

Formed in 2016, the 1859th has supported other military units through logistics and transportation missions. Its Soldiers have also been activated to provide evacuation and security support during fires and floods across northern Nevada.

Capt. Alecia Chandler, the company's commander, expressed confidence in the Soldiers as they took on a new assignment.

"Your skills, your tactical proficiencies and your ability to solve complex problems under pressure are unmatched," Chandler said. "I have full confidence in every single Soldier standing in this formation."