W.Va. Guard to deploy to DC ahead of trucker convoy

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va (WDTV) - Approximately 80 Soldiers and Airmen from various units in the West Virginia Army and Air National Guard will depart this week to Washington, D.C. to support security operations for the U.S. Capitol Police ahead of an upcoming trucker convoy.

“Our National Guard is just phenomenal and we owe them everything for what they do to help our state and nation during times of need,” said Governor Jim Justice. “This is just another example of how truly great these men and women are and I know they will represent the Mountain State well in any given mission.”

West Virginia Soldiers and Airmen join nearly 600 National Guard service members deployed to conduct traffic control operations during demonstrations expected in the city in the coming days.

“Once again, our West Virginia National Guard Soldiers and Airmen have stepped up to the plate to provide support to our partners, just as we have in years past, " stated Maj. Gen. Bill Crane, West Virginia’s adjutant general. “Because our Guard remains a flexible and professional force, we are able to quickly respond when asked to provide assistance. I have no doubt that our men and women, in conjunction with our neighboring National Guard states, will carry out their mission successfully, with pride and professionalism.”

The Department of Defense authorized the request for assistance to the United States Capitol Police Feb. 20, which authorizes personnel from outside the District of Columbia National Guard to assist at designated traffic posts and select Capitol entry points starting no later than 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 26.

As WVNG personnel are supporting the security effort in the nation’s capital, nearly 550 Soldiers and Airmen continue to support COVID-19 response efforts in West Virginia.

The convoys follow the recent Canadian truckers’ protest which shut down the busiest U.S. Canadian border crossing and besieged the streets of the capital, Ottawa, for weeks to protest government pandemic restrictions.

Guard members will not carry firearms or take part in law enforcement or domestic-surveillance activities as a part of this mission.