INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb and Indiana Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles landed in Kenya today to visit Hoosier National Guard soldiers deployed since April 2023.
More than 100 citizen-soldiers serving with the Indiana National Guard’s Airborne company, headquartered in Seymour, are strengthening regional stability, and providing base security in the Horn of Africa region.
The governor will share a Thanksgiving meal with soldiers at Camp Simba and spend additional time with Hoosiers on the base. While there, he will receive updates on the Mission Overview which is a joint assignment between Indiana and Oklahoma National Guardsmen and women.
“As Hoosiers prepare to gather around the Thanksgiving dinner table and reflect on all we’re grateful for, please include the men and women serving in Indiana’s National Guard,” Gov. Holcomb said. “They serve us at home in urgent times and far away when the orders arrive. So this year, while you huddle up with friends and family and celebrate your own family traditions, remember many of our Guard families are separated from one another while defending our values and way of life. Meeting Hoosier Guardsmen stationed in Kenya and seeing their dedication to our state and country firsthand, I’m proudly reminded, that our freedom is not free, and it’s their dedication that pays the cost in full. Indeed, we have much to be thankful for.”
Indiana National Guard Soldiers serve in a unique dual state and federal role. They are trained and prepared for domestic operations like relief efforts following severe weather and are also trained for federal operations, including overseas deployment.
“Whether deployed providing security in the Horn of Africa region, or living, working, and serving part-time in Indiana, the 12,000 premier professionals of our Indiana National Guard are always readying for and executing the modern missions that protect U.S. interests abroad and serve our neighbors at home,” said Lyles.
Operation Enduring Freedom has been ongoing in the Horn of Africa since 2002. Hoosier Guardsmen continuing the mission are scheduled to return home to Indiana next year.
This trip was paid for by the Indiana National Guard.
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