KALAMAZOO, MI – Michigan soldiers are preparing to deploy to the southern border of the United States to help with border security.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, about 120 soldiers with the Michigan Army National Guard’s 1463rd Transportation Company, based in Battle Creek, will gather with their families and invited guests at Lakeview Middle School as they prepare to depart for deployment to the southwest border, Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs said in a news release.

The 1463rd Transportation Company will deploy in support of US Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) missions along the border, the department said.

Led by US Northern Command and Joint Task Force North, the soldiers will be tasked with assisting CBP’s border security operations.

CPB’s mission is to “protect the American people, protect our borders, and improve the nation’s economic prosperity,” the agency said.

The 1463rd Transportation Company last deployed to Iraq in 2008. This deployment is expected to last up to one year.

It will be the fifth deployment to the southwest border for the Michigan National Guard since 2020, officials said.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer previously approved deployments to the southwest border in 2021 and 2022 under President Joe Biden and in 2020 under President Donald Trump.

“The Michigan National Guard is known across the country for its professionalism, and they have stepped up to protect and serve their fellow Americans when called upon under both Democratic and Republican presidents,” Whitmer said in a news release.

“Now, about 120 soldiers are once again preparing to respond to the call of duty at our southern border, adding to the vigorous efforts that have brought border crossings to a four-year low,” she said. “Together, we will ensure our Guard members have the resources they need to perform their missions successfully and ensure their families can thrive at home.”

Officials did not say exactly where the soldiers will be sent. A spokesman for the department said he would check for further details on the matter.

The Michigan National Guard is ready to deploy and serve at a moment’s notice, said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Paul D. Rogers, adjutant general and director of the Michigan Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

“When these Soldiers deploy to support US Northern Command, our Family Programs Office will be there to offer support and resources to their families whose steadfast support is critical to our Soldiers’ success,” Rogers said.

The Michigan National Guard Family Programs Office provides support and care for Michigan National Guard service members and families while improving the readiness and well-being of their military families through information, education, programs and resources. It can be reached at 1-888-MICH-FAM.

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