Mississippi has owed a debt of gratitude to our National Guard since before we were even a state. By the time Mississippi was admitted to the Union, our guardsmen had already defended us in two wars. They have been faithfully serving ever since. In the U.S. Senate, I have worked to support the guard’s state and national missions.

Mississippi Guard Serves Nation and State

Our guardsmen have repeatedly answered the commander-in-chief’s call. For the last two hundred years, they have served across the globe in nearly every American conflict. Recently, these men and women have stepped up to fight ISIS, to secure the southwest border, and to deter further conflict in Europe, among other assignments.

In addition to completing many deployments, the Mississippi Guard has helped prepare U.S. and allied forces for combat. It cemented a national leadership status in World War II. During that conflict, Camp Shelby became our state’s largest city for several years, swelling to host training exercises for hundreds of thousands of service members.

The guard has continued that same readiness role. There are more examples than I can list, but one illustrates the impressive capabilities of our state’s forces. This year, the Mississippi Guard once again hosted its state-of-the-art ground and air exercises known as Southern Strike. These trainings have drawn representatives from every military branch, preparing them for numerous scenarios – including potential conflict with China in the Pacific.

The Mississippi Guard has also responded to the needs of our state. In times of public strife, such as the 1962 Ole Miss riot, guardsmen have secured peace. When natural disaster has struck, most recently in the Jackson water crisis and the 2023 tornadoes, the guard has mobilized to protect property and distribute aid.

Supporting the Guard’s Training Mission

I serve as the senior Republican on the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, which oversees the National Guard. That role gives me opportunities to support their work.

In recent defense bills, I have fought for additions to several National Guard facilities. I have backed construction of projects, including a combat readiness center for the Army Guard unit in Southaven, a fire and crash rescue site for the 172nd Air Wing in Jackson, and a Maneuver Area Training Equipment site at Camp Shelby. I have also advocated for numerous other, ongoing efforts that can enhance the operations of the Mississippi Guard.

Welcoming New Guard Leadership

The U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee also vets nominees for senior military offices. My colleagues and I recently met with Lieutenant General Steven Nordhaus, who has been tapped to lead the National Guard Bureau. During his confirmation hearing, I pressed Lieutenant General Nordhaus to use his role to keep the guard focused on its readiness mission.

The Mississippi Guard has also been undergoing a leadership transition at the state level. This year, Major General J. “Durr” Boyles retired from his duties as Mississippi’s adjutant general – the top military officer over our guardsmen. He served admirably for over seven years, a legacy I am confident his successor will continue. Major General Bobby Ginn assumed command in August. He begins his tenure after more than three decades of service, including leadership roles during Hurricane Katrina response and over a deployment to Iraq.

I look forward to working with both of these new leaders to empower the Mississippi Guard. Its members represent the very best of our state, combining the highest standards of excellence with the sincerest commitment to public service. In Congress, I will continue championing the needs of these brave men and women.