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They're called upon to help clean up and rebuild after natural disasters.
They took an active role in helping our communities and our state manage the COVID-19 crisis.
They've been tasked with filling severe shortages at our state's prisons.
They've been called to the southern border to help manage the crisis there.
And, in times of war, they are called into service in defense of our nation.
These are the men and women who make up the West Virginia National Guard. These citizen-soldiers freely give of themselves to help better life for us all.
The National Guard was officially founded on December 13, 1636, when the Massachusetts Bay Colony established the first militia regiments. This historic moment laid the foundation for a tradition of citizen-soldiers, ready to defend their communities and nation.
Earlier this week, the National Guard celebrated its 387th birthday. The West Virginia Guard traces its heritage to 1735 with a militia company established in Berkeley County.
The West Virginia National Guard's 1st Battalion, 201st Field Artillery detachment based in Fairmont is considered the oldest active unit in the U.S. Army.
Guard members from our state have fought in every major conflict in American history while also serving our communities in times of need. Just this year, the guard deployed more than 600 soldiers and airmen around the globe for contingency operations and provided response for state emergencies to include flooding and natural gas outage relief efforts.
"Today, we honor the more than 6,000 soldiers and airmen in West Virginia and the 430,000 across the United States who have sworn to defend our homeland, protect our values and answer our nation's call," Major Gen. Bill Crane, Adjutant General of West Virginia, said during a ceremony Wednesday. "The National Guard is an accessible, highly versatile and indispensable part of America's total force, and I'm incredibly proud to serve alongside these brave men and women and what they represent for West Virginia and America."
We're incredibly proud of these men and women, as well. They are among the best our state has to offer.
So today, let's all wish the West Virginia National Guard a belated birthday. The Guard's service makes our state a much better place to live.