Guard unit being deployed, again

Harrison County National Guard troops have began pre-mobilization training to prepare for their 2013 deployment to the middle east.
According to Deputy Director of the Public Affairs Office for Kentucky National Guard David Altom, the 149th Vertical Engineer Construction Company, which is made of mainly Harrison County troops, have began training in preparation for their February 2013 deployment to Afghanistan.
“Currently 145 troops, which is comprised of mostly Harrison County troops with a small attachment from Olive Hill, have began their training for an upcoming deployment,” explained Altom during a phone interview.
Altom explained the 145 strong company has been sent to Wendell H. Ford regional training center in Greenville, KY, to begin their approximately six week training.
“Once they have completed training at the regional training center, they will then be stationed in Fort Knox where they will continue their training before returning home,” explained Altom. “The troops should complete their training sometime early November.”
Altom confirmed that the troops will be stationed in Afghanistan for one year where they will support coalition forces in construction.
“Typically everyone thinks because they are engineers that they will be involved in blowing up things so to speak,” said Altom. “This group will mainly focus on building things.”
The company includes specialist in plumbing, electrical work, carpenters and masons.
Altom was unable to clarify exactly what the troops will be involved in with construction, however, little “drama” is suspected while deployed.
“Anytime our troops are deployed there is potential danger,” said Altom. “However, we foresee little to no drama in the future for these troops.”
Altom said a farewell ceremony is still to be held for the troops however, the date has not yet been determined.
Altom said family members and friends are able to keep-up with the troops by visiting kentuckyguard.com where current events will be posted on the 149th Vertical Engineer Construction Company.