Welcoming the Arkansas National Guard to Washington D.C.

As we reflect on this year, I’d like to take a moment to recognize our Arkansas National Guard and the exceptional discipline and dedication they have brought to their service not only for the Natural State, but nationwide. 

When tragedy struck central Texas this summer, our Arkansas Guard answered the call of duty, providing integral service to the communities that were facing devastating loss and infrastructure challenges. The help they were able to provide in a dark chapter for the state of Texas was undoubtedly a lifeline of hope that was desperately needed, and I was incredibly proud to see the true Arkansas spirit represented so well by our Arkansas National Guard.

We saw our own share of devastation this year as winter weather and spring storms brought destruction to communities across the Natural State. Once again, the Arkansas National Guard answered the call of duty, bringing their exceptional training and skill where and when it was needed most.

The Arkansas National Guard’s 142nd Field Artillery Brigade touched down in Washington D.C. this week as they will be conducting patrols and providing support for local law enforcement in designated areas. I look forward to personally connecting with some of the Natural State’s finest men and women in the coming days while they are here to thank them for their service.

On December 13, the National Guard will celebrate 389 years of service. You may be wondering how that math works out, as our own nation is only 250 years old. Before our Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines, the National Guard has had a presence in our country since the colonial days of 1636, playing a consistent role in the story of our nation’s founding and the defending of our freedom. 

Before the adoption of its official name, the National Guard acted as our colonial militia founded in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. These founding fathers were at first a great concern for the colonists who feared tyrannical rule and abuses of military power. However, George Washington argued strongly for the need of a “well-organized Militia; upon a Plan that will pervade all the States, and introduce similarity in their Establishment Maneuvers, Exercise and Arms.”

Thus, the 1792 Militia Act was enacted, opening the door to centuries of men, and now women, to be divided into divisions, brigades, battalions, and companies as they serve their communities in the National Guard.

I’m grateful each day for the men and women who put on the uniform to serve their country, sacrificing the comfort and safety of their own personal lives to go where they are called to protect our communities and provide help when tragedy strikes. Regardless of their circumstances, these Guardsmen and women stay the course, remain steadfast, and do their duty to serve their country.