Alabama National Guard returns home

Soldiers in the Alabama National Guard returned home on Jan. 24 after completing their orders in support of the Presidential Inauguration in Washington D.C.

Adjutant Gen. Maj. Sheryl Gordon issued a letter to Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey calling it a success.

“It is my pleasure to inform that you I consider Alabama’s participation in the security of the Capitol an unmitigated success,” Gordon’s letter read.

Following a request from the Chief of the National Guard Bureau, the Alabama National Guard mobilized over 750 soldiers to the U.S. Capitol as a part of the over 25,000 soldiers and airmen representing all 54 states, territories and Washington D.C. at the inauguration.

“Our portion of the mission involved providing security around the Capitol grounds, and our soldiers performed in a highly professional manner, and thankfully encountered no significant hindrances to their mission,” Gordon said. “Our soldiers were in fact part of those identified by the media as having been moved to the parking garage for their on-shift break, but this move had no significant impact to the mission or to the morale of our soldiers.

“As we fully expect, our soldiers reacted with grace and professionalism, and take great pride in their conduct as they were essentially performing as ambassadors for the State of Alabama.”

Gordon also commented on how quickly the Alabama National Guard was able to mobilize to get to the Capitol.

“In addition to the satisfaction of a successfully performing mission, I am also remarkably proud of the soldiers and airmen of the Alabama National Guard who were responsible for getting this security element to the District of Columbia,” Gordon said. “It is difficult to put into words the herculean effort required to get this element mobilized, equipped and deployed to D.C. in a remarkably short period of time, with zero incidents, clearly surpassing that which is normally expected of a citizen-soldier formation.

“Your National Guard team’s ability to procure supplies, coordinator transportation, provide lodging and meals, and fulfill information requirements to the National Guard Bureau were a significant portion of the effort which enabled our soldiers to arrive in the Capitol Region one day prior to the timeline requested by the National Guard Bureau.”

Ivey also issued a statement thanking the members of the Alabama National Guard.

“The men and women of the Alabama National Guard exemplify what it means to be patriots of our great country,” Ivey said. “I remain proud of how they represent our home state and are always willing to step up and serve whenever and wherever needed. I am pleased to have them back home in Alabama and remain grateful for each of them.”