Gov. Lee, first lady visit TN National Guard task force in Middle East
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Gov. Bill Lee and his wife traveled across the globe this week to visit more than 700 soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guard's 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment in the Middle East.
According to the governor's office, the task force — which is primarily comprised of soldiers from the 278th's 2nd Squadron — is serving a year-long deployment in Kuwait.
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'We owe a debt of gratitude to the Tennesseans who bravely serve our state and nation,' Lee said. 'Maria and I are deeply grateful to our soldiers deployed in the Middle East who demonstrate the Volunteer Spirit through their remarkable commitment to defending our freedoms, and I thank them for their unwavering dedication.'
While in Kuwait, officials said the governor and the first lady thanked soldiers for their service and received a briefing on Operation Spartan Shield to better understand the Tennessee National Guard's integral role in the mission. In addition, Lee met with the U.S. ambassador to Kuwait, Karen Sasahara.
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'Operation Spartan Shield builds partnerships in the Middle East to promote regional self-reliance and increase security,' the governor's office said in a statement on Friday, May 16. 'As a part of U.S. Central Command, Tennessee's task force is assisting in maintaining a military posture in the region, strengthening defense relationships, and serving as an enhanced force throughout the area.'
Officials described the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment, headquartered in Knoxville, as Tennessee's largest unit. It is also one of five armored brigade combat teams in the National Guard.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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