Georgia leaders plan visit to guardsmen stationed at Texas border

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced plans for a command visit to the Georgia National Guard Task Force at the U.S. Southern Border in Texas. He will be joined by Lt. Governor Burt Jones, Speaker Jon Burns, Chairman Chuck Payne of the Senate Veterans, Military, and Homeland Security Committee, and Chairman Josh Bonner and Representative Chas Cannon from the House Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee. The officials are scheduled to visit approximately 85 Georgia Guardsmen stationed in Texas on Friday to express gratitude for their service during the holiday season.

"Since 2019, through every holiday and with constant vigilance and professionalism, our Georgia Guardsmen have maintained the longest continuous presence at the U.S. Southern border of any state in the country,” stated Governor Brian Kemp. “As Georgia and the nation celebrate Christmas and the New Year, the devoted young men and women currently stationed there will continue to put the security of our border, our communities, and our families ahead of their own comfort and time with family and friends. I look forward to thanking them personally on behalf of all Georgians for their service, bravery, and dedication."

Lt. Governor Burt Jones expressed his appreciation for being invited by Governor Kemp to join him on this visit. "It is an honor to have the chance to personally thank the brave men and women of the Georgia National Guard for all they are doing to ensure our border is secure," he said.

Speaker of the House Jon Burns highlighted the sacrifices made by members of the Georgia National Guard: "Our heroes in the Georgia National Guard sacrifice immeasurably to protect our communities and citizens across the nation," he said.

The deployment involves assisting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations along with detection and monitoring support under U.S. Northern Command's direction through Joint Task Force North.

For further details about this visit or information regarding Georgia Guardsmen's mission at the southern border can be directed towards Edd Natividad from Joint Task Force North or contacted through official channels associated with Georgia Guard.