Family members said goodbye to their loved ones as Connecticut National Guard troops embarked on Operation Spartan Shield mission to the Middle East.

Approximately 200 Connecticut National Guard troops departed from Bradley Air National Guard Base Oct. 3 for a year-long deployment.
“Their mission is basically security, base defense,” said Maj. Gen, Francis Evon Jr., the top officer in the Connecticut National Guard.

This is a mission focused on counter-UAS “unmanned aerial systems” or drone work in the Middle East. In 2024 U.S. troops stationed in Jordan were attacked by these unmanned aerial systems. Troops are being sent to protect people and property from these past drone threats launched in the Middle East.

Operation Spartan Shield is also a CENTCOM, U.S. Central Command, operation to build partnerships throughout the region.

Members of the First Battalion of the 102nd Infantry Regiment will be stationed in countries such as Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Jordan, and others. Before arriving, they will spend a month in Texas training for their mission overseas.

As a result of the recent government shutdown, there has been concern about whether the troops will be paid. President Trump has said, “We have identified funds to do this, and Secretary Hegseth will use them to pay our troops.”

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said the state would do as much as possible to make sure paychecks arrive on time.

“They just got paid September, they get paid in arrears. Sometimes in the middle of October it could be jump ball. But I’ll tell you we’re doing everything we can to make sure they get paid, at least in arrears once they are back,“ he said.

Despite these concerns about 500 crew members will join this deployment over the next few weeks.

“I see a lot of young kids who are motivated. A lot of kids are taking advantage of the tuition waiver in Connecticut,” said Evon.

Twenty-year-old Connecticut resident Luiz Galbim is in the beginning steps to becoming a part of the National Guard.
Galbim said he joined because of the Guards’ “benefits and the opportunity to improve as a person.”

Deployment is is almost routine.

“I’m not worried about national deployments since the National Guard has been doing this for years,” said junior marine and environmental science student Isa Pangelinan. “I’d be more worried what’s happening with the National Guard domestically.” Pangelinan’s father, Henry Pangelinan served as sergeant first class in the Army, which gave her firsthand experience with the impact of deployment on families and loved ones.

“Deployment makes time pass really slow, so when you miss them or worry about them, it feels ten times worse,” said Pangelinan.
While troops are being deployed, family and loved ones remain at home, “worrying is inevitable,” she said. That crossed Galbim’s mind when he joined the National Guard.

“It’s a thought that is always on the back of my mind, it’s definitely a somewhat scary thought, but also a thought of pride to be able to fight to help our country, ” he said.

Pangelinan said she hopes families stay strong while their soldiers are deployed.

“Just hug them tight, tell them you love them, and that you’ll see them soon,” she said.

As for the loved ones who stay behind, she said the best thing you can do is, “When you miss them a little extra, just send a letter. Also, send them snacks, it’ll help them pass the time and you’ll get all their battle buddies to love you.”