EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Nearly 120 New Mexico National Guardsmen from the 126th Military Police Company have departed for a one-year federal active-duty deployment to the southern border in Texas to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
The New Mexico National Guard said they will become part of Joint Task Force-Southern Border and will be doing a “routine rotation” to replace other units currently serving along the border. The NM National Guard did not say where its troops would be seeing duty along the border.
The 126th spent this year’s annual training preparing for this mission with exercises in convoy operations, vehicle and foot patrols, and land navigation during both day and night operations, the New Mexico National Guard said in a news release.
Soldiers and their families gathered for a “Yellow Ribbon” send off-event hosted by Mayfield High School in Las Cruces. They heard speakers from NM National Guard leadership as part of the ceremony.
The company is based in Las Cruces, but its members come from all over the state.
“For many of you, this isn’t your first deployment and we’re thankful you’ve answered the nation’s call yet again,” said Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Carper, New Mexico’s deputy adjutant general. “Our near-peer threat is intentionally sabotaging our country. Drugs are coming in. They’re trying to destroy us. The southern border isn’t just a line on the map. It’s the front door to our country.
“We’re asking you to guard that door,” Carper said. “We’re counting on you to safeguard our way of life.”
The 126th has a history of successful deployments, the NM National Guard said.
From Iraq, to supporting two presidential inaugurations, the unit has performed superbly in the past, Carper said.
Capt. Marcos Myers commands the 126th Military Police Company, and will lead the unit during this deployment.
“We are citizen soldiers. We are from communities around New Mexico where we grew up. This reminds us that our service and sacrifice serves to maintain our American way of life,” Myers said. “The southern border is a critical line of defense for our nation. Transnational criminal organizations profit from human suffering, trafficking drugs, weapons and people. We will not allow this to happen.”
Far more than just a send-off event, the Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program promotes the well-being of National Guard and Reserve members and their families by connecting them with resources throughout and beyond the unit’s deployment cycle, the NM National Guard said.
Soldiers and their families have access to programs, services, resources, and referrals to minimize stress during all phases of deployment, the NM National Guard said.
“Your sacrifice as families while your loved one is far from home supporting our nation doesn’t go unnoticed. We’re here to support you in any way we can during this deployment,” Carper said. “Please reach out to us. You aren’t going through this alone.”
Myers closed out the ceremony, noting this mission will challenge the soldiers’ resolve and endurance, but with unwavering support from their families, they will be a success.
“Let us remember our actions matter, and our sacrifice is meaningful,” Myers said. “Let us honor our families and country by giving our very best, staying true to our values and returning knowing we’ve done our duty.”
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