Indiana National Guard troops in Kenya get an early Thanksgiving dinner
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Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb landed in Kenya earlier this week to spend time with members of the Indiana National Guard stationed in eastern Africa ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
Hoosier soldiers from the Indiana National Guard’s 134th Airborne Infantry Regiment deployed to Africa in April, where they have been stationed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom in the Horn of Africa Region, which has been ongoing since 2002.
Hoosier soldiers are currently helping boost stability and security in this region on the easternmost edge of the country and will be stationed there until next year, according to the governor's office.
Speaking from Nairobi in a call with reporters Thursday, Holcomb noted the troops will miss the holiday season while serving in a part of the world with heavy conflict.
“They’re in a pretty hot place in the world in more ways than one,” Holcomb told reporters.
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#INKenya | Spent time at Camp Simba with the brave members of our #Indiana National Guard. Their dedication to the mission and service in the Horn of Africa is truly inspiring. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/QSfakTZLJN
— Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) November 15, 2023
Why the Indiana National Guard is in Africa
While known for responding to state disasters or incidents, Indiana National Guard soldiers also have a federal role. During “peacetime,” troops can be assigned to support efforts like Operation Enduring Freedom.
“The soldiers that are serving at Camp Simba right now are focused on their mission, and that’s to help rid this particular region of the world of the violent extremist organizations that are seeking to undermine the freedom of Kenya,” said Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, Indiana's adjutant general.
Lyles invited Holcomb to visit the 130 Hoosier troops stationed at Camp Simba. The Indiana National Guard paid for Holcomb’s trip, according to the governor’s office.
Holcomb said he shared a Thanksgiving meal with the National Guard members. In posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, Holcomb shared he also had meetings with U.S. Embassy officials in Kenya.
#INKenya | Just wrapped up a productive meeting with U.S. embassy officials in Kenya. Discussed ways to strengthen ties, promote trade, and collaborate. Grateful for the opportunity to further our global partnerships. 🇺🇸🤝🇰🇪 pic.twitter.com/Ayz6T1AtY3
— Governor Eric Holcomb (@GovHolcomb) November 16, 2023
Holcomb is not the only elected official to pay the Hoosier troops a visit this November. Indiana Republican U.S. Reps. Jim Banks and Larry Bucshon met with the state’s National Guard soldiers in Kenya over Veterans Day weekend.
Holcomb’s trip comes just two months after the governor traveled to Japan for an economic development visit with government officials and business leaders.
Contact IndyStar's state government and politics reporter Brittany Carloni at brittany.carloni@indystar.com or 317-779-4468. Follow her on Twitter/X @CarloniBrittany.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb visits state's National Guard troops
