Here's how you know
 **Official websites use .mil** .mil
 **Secure .mil websites use HTTPS** lock () https://


Skip to main content (Press Enter).
 Toggle navigation
            
            
            
            
            National Guard
                        Always Ready Always There
                    National Guard
            
            Search National Guard:
                        Search
                    Search
                        Search National Guard:
                            Search
    Home

    News
    
        Guard News

    Overseas Operations

    State Partnership Program

    News Features

    RSS Feeds

    Press Releases

    Transcripts

    Features
    
        Features by Year

    Posture Statement

    State Partnership Program

    Special Features

    About the Guard
    
        How We Began

    Air National Guard

    Army National Guard    
    
        DEERS Soldier Journey

    Leader Development Program

    History and Heritage

    I am the Guard

    NGB Official March

    Leadership
    
        CNGB

    VCNGB

    SEA

    DANG

    DARNG

    Joint Staff    
    
        J-1

    J-2

    J-3

    J-4

    J-5

    J-6

    J-7

    J-8

    Personal Staff    
    
        Inspector General

    General Counsel

    Public Affairs

    Executive Support Services

    Legislative Liaison

    Special Staff    
    
        National Guard Office of Special Victims' Counsel

    Office of the Provost Marshal

    Office of the Joint Surgeon

    Director of Acquisitions

    Small Business Programs

    Chaplain

    Senior Leader Management Office

    Diversity Equity Inclusion

    Comptroller

    Resources    
        National Defense Strategy Implementation Guidance

    Community Engagement

    FOIA

    Fact Sheets

    Helpful Links

    Image Gallery
    
        News Images

    Graphics

    Historical Paintings

    Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

    Legislative Liaison

    Small Business Programs

    Social Media

    State Websites

    Videos    
    
        Featured Videos

    On Every Front

    2019 Videos

    2020 Videos

    2021 Videos

    Suicide Prevention

    Family Programs

    Environmental

    Trial Defense Service

    Holistic Wellness Challenge

    Contact Us  Home
  News
  Overseas Operations
 
 Download
 Details
 Share
 NEWS
 Wisconsin Army Guard Prepares for Africa deployment By Vaughn R. Larson,
                Department of Military Affairs
 MILWAUKEE – Col. Eric Leckel, commander of the Wisconsin Army National Guard’s 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, told 280 deploying Soldiers and their families and friends about the historic nature of their upcoming Africa mission at a ceremony Sept. 30. “This is one of the most unique, diverse and challenging missions a unit will ever have the opportunity to partake in,” Leckel said. “Each and every one of the Soldiers of the 157th MEB will be a critical piece within the only standing force on the continent of Africa.” That would be Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa, an operation of U.S. Africa Command. The combined joint task force’s mission is to promote regional security and stability, dissuade conflict, and protect U.S. and coalition interests in the region. Leckel said the 157th MEB headquarters company and the 357th Signal Company would contribute strategically to the overall U.S. global security objective. “Your work on a daily basis will make the African continent a better place,” Leckel said. “You will improve the lives of countless individuals, ensuring they have the opportunity for a brighter future. Each and every one of you are a history maker and a world changer.” Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general, told the troops they were about to write a new page in Wisconsin history. “The world is at a critical juncture, and our adversaries are looking to expand their corrupting grasp across the globe,” Knapp said. “The 157 and 357 will play a key role in stemming these attempts by our adversaries.” According to CJTF-HOA, Russia and China have long sought to increase their influence across the African continent. Violent extremist organizations such as terrorist groups and pirates are also among U.S. adversaries in the region. “Partnerships are, and will continue to be, the key to success in an open and orderly world,” Knapp said. “Your actions abroad will have a direct effect on the security of our homeland, on the safety and prosperity of our friends, families, coworkers and neighbors. Gov. Tony Evers thanked the Soldiers for their service, noting that some of them supported recent state missions — staffing polling stations, running COVID-19 test locations and assisting in Operation Allies Welcome. “You serve and continue to serve our state admirably and selflessly,” Evers said, “and I’m so proud to call you Citizen-Soldiers for the Wisconsin National Guard.” Command Sgt. Maj. Duane Weyer, the 157th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade’s senior enlisted leader, said the Soldiers would work with other U.S. military branches and partner nations and better understand the cultures and complexities of afflicted regions of the world. “The opportunity to work within such a diverse environment is invaluable, and we will be a better-rounded organization because of it,” Weyer said. “I look forward to the days when we will return your Soldiers home to their families and friends. Until then, we remember our heritage, cultivate our culture and prepare to make history.”
 SHARE
 PRINT
  Wisconsin National Guard
 AFRICOM
 NY National Guard Strengthens Bonds with Allies in Morocco Overseas Operations • 6 days ago
 Alaska Guard Soldiers Honored Before Middle East Deployment Overseas Operations • 13 days ago
 29th Infantry Division HQ Heads Exercise Immediate Response Overseas Operations • 18 days ago
 134th Medical Company Joins Combined Resolve Exercise Overseas Operations • 19 days ago
 Guard Soldiers, Czech Partners Celebrate Victory in Europe Day Overseas Operations • 21 days ago
 2024 (24)  2023 (57)  2022 (71)  2021 (58)  2020 (41)  2019 (56)  2018 (55)  2017 (46)  2016 (31)  2015 (36)  2014 (48)  2013 (64)  2012 (134)  2011 (163)  2010 (179)
 Home
 Site Map
 Privacy & Security Policy
 Link Disclaimer
 Web Policy
 DOD Information Quality
 DOD Open GovernmentFOIA
 No FEAR Act
 Accessibility/Section 508
 Contact Us
 Army Guard Careers
 Air Guard Careers
 USA.gov
                    
Staying Connected
    XYouTubeFlickrFacebookInstagram
                 
                
                

Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil