Nebraska National Guard
Service for the nation
On Oct. 23, 2024, the Nebraska National Guard arrived by helicopter at Union Adventist University. It was a great experience for the students to meet some individuals who serve the nation. Public visits from the National Guard must be required anywhere from 45 days to 90 days before the event date. Public visits are not the only role of the National Guard. Other appearances include bands, helicopters, speakers and vehicles that can visit locations with prior approval. Unfortunately, helicopter rides are not permitted.
One opportunity for those in the National Guard is to be deployed internationally. Since the organization is nearly 170 years old, they have deployed to multiple wars. Even though Nebraska was not a state until after the Civil War and had no major battles within its territory, it managed to send troops in the Civil War. The National Guard was sent to serve in the Mexican-American War, Vietnam War, war in Afghanistan and many other conflicts. The National Guard is always ready to defend against threats, whether they are foreign or domestic. The role of the National Guard exceeds defense, it includes restoring peace and promoting education during disasters. An example of this was in 2019, when the Nebraska National Guard made a partnership with Rwanda in which expertise in emergency and disaster response was shared.
The Nebraska National Guard is responsible for emergency and disaster response on a state and national level. When emergencies like floods, tornadoes, blizzards or other natural disasters occur, they are there to help. Since Nebraska regularly experiences tornadoes, having this support available in a timely manner is a great asset. The Nebraska National Guard has responded to numerous hurricane disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey. Additionally, the National Guard can assist local law enforcement in certain situations that require more manpower, including large events or civil disruptions. They also aid in protecting against cybersecurity attacks on important infrastructure. The National Guard has a long history of providing support during emergencies, contributing to public safety and aiding in disaster response efforts.
by Stuart Cuateco