Connecticut National Guard Holds Sendoff for 143rd Regional Support Group

This blog post shares the Connecticut Army National Guard sendoff for about 80 Soldiers from the 143rd Regional Support Group. They’re getting ready for a deployment to the Middle East that will last almost a year in support of Operation Inherent Resolve.

The ceremony took place at Gov. William A. O’Neill Armory in Hartford. It spotlighted the unit’s dual mission—handling overseas base operations and staying ready for domestic response—and really showed just how much Connecticut communities have their backs.

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Support Across Connecticut: The Sendoff at O’Neill Armory

On February 21, 2026, Guard leadership, families, and local officials all gathered to honor soldiers who will serve in Iraq and Kuwait. Maj. Gen. Francis J. Evon, Jr., the adjutant general of the Connecticut National Guard, called out the troops’ dedication and thanked the families and communities that keep them going.

Governor Ned Lamont also stepped up to give public thanks. He pointed out the soldiers’ readiness to represent Connecticut on the world stage.

Mission scope and dual-mission capability

The 143rd Regional Support Group will handle a variety of base support operations. This includes base life support, logistical operations, facility management, and both personnel and operational support across several locations.

Because of their dual-mission capability, the unit can manage the reception and integration of forces during emergencies at home. They also deliver essential base operations support overseas.

Base life support and facilities management
Logistical operations across theater locations
Personnel and operational support for deployed forces
Domestic emergency response readiness when needed

Community Momentum: Towns Across CT Rally Behind the 143rd

People from all over Connecticut have come together to support the 143rd’s mission. Folks in cities and towns like Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury, Norwalk, Danbury, and Greenwich have voiced their pride in the unit’s service and its role representing the state abroad.

The sendoff really hit home the idea that a strong home front—from East Hartford to New Britain—stands behind Connecticut’s soldiers wherever they go.

Statewide support in action

To show just how deep the backing goes, many Connecticut towns have organized volunteer efforts, family readiness groups, and even local fundraisers in the weeks before deployment. The 143rd has worked with partners in Middletown, Bristol, and Milford, which says a lot about the state’s ongoing commitment to its National Guard members and their families.

Hartford
New Haven
Stamford
Bridgeport
Waterbury
Norwalk
Danbury
Greenwich
East Hartford
New Britain
Middletown
Bristol
Milford

Context and History: Why this Deployment Matters

The unit’s new mission in Iraq and Kuwait lines up with Operation Inherent Resolve, which started on June 15, 2014. The goal: train, advise, and help regional partners push back against the ISIS threat.

Although ISIS lost its territory in Iraq and Syria by 2017–2019, current operations keep the pressure on what remains of the group and help regional partners. The 143rd last deployed in 2020 for Operation Spartan Shield, so Connecticut’s still right in the thick of global security and regional stability efforts.

Leadership Praise and Readiness: A Connecticut Benchmark

Gov. Ned Lamont publicly praised the unit’s partnerships and readiness across the state. He stressed that the 143rd’s deployment really shows the best of Connecticut’s citizen-soldier tradition.

The adjutant general added that the 143rd’s work—and the support system around it—shows the state’s commitment to service, resilience, and teamwork. Leaders are looking ahead, expecting a successful mission that keeps communities safe at home while helping with bigger security goals in the Middle East.

What this deployment means for Connecticut

For Connecticut towns like Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford, this deployment brings a real mix of pride and responsibility. Families will juggle the tough reality of separation, but they’ll also know their loved ones are playing a crucial part in international stability.

Troops and veterans still lean on training, readiness exercises, and ongoing community programs, even after coming home. As the 143rd Regional Support Group heads out on its mission, Connecticut’s towns and cities keep a close eye on events in the Middle East and stay alert to what’s happening at home.

This year’s going to challenge the unit’s adaptability. The connection between State and Guard, between neighborhoods like Bridgeport and Glastonbury, and honestly, between every family hoping for a safe return, will only grow stronger.

Here is the source article for this story: Connecticut National Guard hosts sendoff ceremony for 143rd RSG

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