FRANKFORT, Ky. — The Kentucky National Guard is staying in Washington D.C. longer to help the U.S. Capitol Police and the Washington D.C. National Guard.
The Guard announced Monday they will remain until May 23, 2021. There are approximately 70 volunteer Guardsmen providing help in our in the Nation's Capitol, there are 150 members there now.
In a statement to Spectrum News 1, Army Capt. Joshua Whitfield, the officer in charge of Task Force Legion, said it is a great opportunity for the volunteers.
“The opportunity to come to DC and serve is a once in a lifetime chance for many,” said Whitfield. “The ability to see the monuments, Arlington and so much American history on a single mission is unheard of. The history in Washington D.C. represents freedom and the American way of life and we all serve to preserve the freedoms our constitution guarantees us. TF Legion Soldiers overwhelmingly rose to the challenges of this mission and I’m very proud of them all.”
Even though the National Guard will be staying in Washington, the Department of Defense will continue to work with U.S. Capitol Police to slowly reduce the National Guard presence as conditions allow.
Members of the 149th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, based out of Richmond, were in charge of overseeing the mission of protecting property and making sure it was safe for employees inside the Capitol building and surrounding areas. Airmen with the 123rd Airlift Wing out of Louisville assisted in the Joint Information Center.
The Kentucky National Guard also has approximately 200 Soldiers and Airmen providing ongoing support with the COVID-19 pandemic.
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