Texas National Guard Mobilized to Aid Ebola-Stricken Africa

AUSTIN– A team of engineers with the Texas Army National Guard will mobilize in the spring of 2015 to West Africa in support of Operation United Assistance, according to Texas Military Forces Public Affairs Office at Fort Mabry in Austin.

On Nov. 14, U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel signed an order authorizing the involuntary mobilization of approximately 2,100 Army Reserve and Army National Guard soldiers to support Operation United Assistance from throughout the nation.

“The troops will replace forces in Senegal and Liberia who are supporting our whole-of-government response to the most devastating Ebola outbreak in history,” the Department of Defense said in a press release.

“All soldiers will conduct regionally-specific training on Ebola prevention, malaria prevention, other medical threats, and medical readiness requirements before deploying.   Kirby said all prudent steps necessary to ensure the safety of the troops will be taken to reduce or eliminate the risk of transmission of the Ebola virus,” the DoD wrote.

The company identified to provide support is the 272nd Engineer Company, 386th Engineer Battalion, from Angleton. The unit is aligned under the 176th Engineer Brigade, Texas Army National Guard.

“As the Defense Department’s most cost-effective force, the National Guard provides our country great versatility across the full spectrum of operations. The citizen-Soldiers representing Texas are experienced professionals and will bring a wealth of knowledge to the mission,” said Maj. Gen. John F. Nichols, The Adjutant General of Texas. “We are proud to serve our state and nation during this time of need and be a part of this larger effort.”

The 272nd Engineer Company is a vertical engineer company comprised of carpenters, electricians and plumbers and is skilled in building facilities and construction project management. While deployed, the engineers will build support structures for operational and medical needs in the region in support of the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

These Texas-based Guardsmen will be part of a multi-state National Guard effort and will remain mobilized for no more than one year.

"The mission of these brave Texans is essential to controlling and containing the international threat to public health we face with Ebola," said Gov. Rick Perry.

"Their efforts to help end this outbreak in West Africa will mean greater safety for all of us back at home, and we commend each of them for their courage and dedication to their fellow man."