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More than 500 National Guard troops from the 1092nd Engineers based in
Parkersburg have been called to active duty. The soldiers will take part in Operation
Noble Eagle in America and Enduring Freedom in the Middle East.
This is the largest call-up to date of West Virginia military.
The deployment date has not been released.
Included in the call-up are National Guardsmen in the Spencer detachment, and
units located in Gassaway, Richwood, Weston, Salem and Moundsville.
A spokesman for the state Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety says this
is the first time the 1092nd Engineer Battalion has been activated into federal
service since the Korean War.
Officials said the troops' duties include clearing obstacles, creating roads and
building a variety of structures.
The 1092nd helped provide relief to flood-ravaged areas of southern West Virginia
last spring.
National Guard spokesperson Major Ron Garton says the troops will "receive
additional military training in preparation for their deployment and will prepare
equipment for movement."
Governor Wise plans to meet with the troops tomorrow and Wednesday.
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