Representatives Visit the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment

A group of  Tennessee representatives visited the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Irwin, California. The 278th Cavalry Regiment functions out of Knoxville and includes citizens from the Upper Cumberland.

Rep. Kelly Keisling traveled with the group.

“We were invited by Major General, Adjutant General if you will, Max Haston of our Tennessee National Guard,” Keisling said. “And I might add it wasn’t just us four that went. Collectively there was a group of forty-seven.”

Senator Mike Bell, Representatives Paul Sherrell and Mike Sparks from the Tennessee General Assembly traveled with Keisling.

Keisling said the trip brought awareness to representatives and various employers across the state.

“This was a trip of awareness, if you will, to employers. I mean we had representation from Lowe’s and Wal-Mart and many other employers,” Keisling said. “And in the balance consisted of our volunteers from the Employers Support of the Guard and Reserves, better know as ESRG.”

During the trip, Keisling and the other representatives met with the troops.

“I think it has to go back to that hour and a half that I spent shaking hands, patting shoulders with these troops. I mean they were dressed out in full uniform, you know, packing their guns,” Keisling said. “They were allowed to meet with us for that hour and a half and then they were going back into the Mohave desert for more training.”

Keisling said he already had a respect for the military, but he learned more by meeting the troops.

“Oh man, it was just quite meaningful,” Keisling said. “What I did learn is each has to have much support back at home in order for them to carry on their duties and responsibilities. ”

Keisling said two groups of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment are preparing for deployment to Eastern Europe. The groups will deploy in the coming summer months.

A third group will possibly deploy in March of next year, Keisling said.

The trip took place from May 2 through May 4.