Arkansas National Guard prepares for deployment to Romania

Arkansas – The Arkansas National Guard is embarking on a significant mission, as members of the 216 Military Police Company gather at Camp Joseph T. Robinson in North Little Rock for an upcoming deployment to Romania.

In an event that marks a pivotal moment for the Arkansas National Guard, thirty-five Guardsmen from the 216 Military Police Company are set to be deployed to Romania. Their mission involves conducting law enforcement duties on a military installation. This includes managing customs duties for American military members arriving from other countries and ensuring that no contraband or prohibited items are brought into the facility.

This deployment is not only significant in terms of the responsibilities it entails but also marks a continuation of the proud legacy of the 216 Military Police Company. Their duties will be crucial in maintaining order and safety within the military installation, a task that highlights the trust and reliance placed on this unit.

Before their departure, these Guardsmen will be given the opportunity to spend Thanksgiving with their families. They are scheduled to leave for their mobilization station at Fort Bliss, Texas, on November 27. This brief time with family is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their loved ones.

Maj. Gen. Jonathan Stubbs, the Arkansas’ adjutant general, emphasized the unit’s distinguished history and the continued support for the families of the deployed Guardsmen. “This unit has a proud history of service,” he said. “This deployment will only add to the unit’s legacy and rich history. These Guardsmen know that we’ll be here to support their families left behind. We’ve been blessed with robust resources to assist, guide, and help their loved ones while they’re away doing the nation’s business.”

The 216th has a long-standing history, having been established as a field artillery battery in West Memphis in the 1950s. It underwent a transformation into a military police company in 2000 and relocated to North Little Rock in 2009. This deployment to Romania is the latest chapter in its storied existence, one that continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of the nation and its military endeavors.