Governor Lee greets members of the Tennessee Army National Guard stationed in Europe. Image submitted

Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and First Lady Maria Lee returned from traveling to the Middle East and Europe to visit more than 450 soldiers from the Tennessee Army National Guard’s 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the Tennesseans who bravely serve our state and nation,” said Gov. Lee. “Maria and I are deeply grateful to our soldiers deployed across the world who demonstrate the Volunteer Spirit through their remarkable commitment to defending our freedoms, and I thank them for their unwavering dedication."

Governor Lee and First Lady Maria observe a map of a region where the Tennessee Army National Guard operates. Image submitted

The Governor and First Lady visited with soldiers to thank them for their service and received operational briefings to better understand how the Tennessee National Guard is integral to readiness, response, and defense missions.

The soldiers in Kuwait are supporting Operation Spartan Shield, which builds partnerships in the Middle East to promote regional self-reliance and increase security. 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.