New Mexico National Guard Leaders Visit Soldiers Supporting Southern Border Mission

TEXAS SOUTHERN BORDER — Nearly 10 months after deploying in support of Joint Task Force Southern Border, approximately 120 Soldiers from the New Mexico National Guard’s 126th Military Police Company continue serving alongside U.S. Border Patrol, helping secure the border and protect the homeland.

The Soldiers deployed last October for a one-year federal active-duty mission in Texas, where they became part of Joint Task Force Southern Border, supporting U.S. Border Patrol as part of a routine unit rotation.

This week, New Mexico Deputy Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Nathaniel Carper and State Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Poccia traveled to Texas to meet with the Soldiers, receive operational updates and see firsthand the work they are performing in support of the federal mission.

The visit provided an opportunity for the New Mexico National Guard’s senior leadership to thank the Soldiers personally for their service and witness the professionalism, discipline and commitment they demonstrate every day in a demanding operational environment.

The 126th Military Police Company deployed following a send-off ceremony in Las Cruces, New Mexico, where Carper reminded the Soldiers of the importance of the mission and the responsibility they were undertaking on behalf of the nation.

After spending time with the unit and observing its operations, Carper praised the Soldiers for the outstanding job they continue to do in support of the mission.

“When these Soldiers deployed, we asked them to take on an important mission and represent the New Mexico National Guard with professionalism and discipline. After seeing them in action firsthand, I couldn’t be more proud. They’re working long hours, tackling a challenging mission alongside our Border Patrol partners, and doing exactly what we asked them to do. They’re making a difference every day, and they’re representing our state and our nation exceptionally well. That’s what New Mexico Guardsmen do.”

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Throughout the visit, Carper and Poccia met with Soldiers and Border Patrol officials, discussed the challenges and successes of the mission, and thanked them for their continued sacrifice on behalf of New Mexico and the nation.

The deployment reflects the New Mexico National Guard’s commitment to answering the nation’s call whenever and wherever needed.

Whether responding to emergencies at home or supporting national security missions away from home, New Mexico Guardsmen continue to demonstrate the readiness, professionalism and selfless service that define the organization.

As the mission continues, the Soldiers of the 126th Military Police Company remain focused on supporting their federal partners while proudly representing the people of New Mexico.