Missouri governor visits troops in Afghanistan

120th Engineer Battalion
Story by Capt. Paul Wyckoff

Date: 12.05.2012
Posted: 12.10.2012 04:20
News ID: 99015
Missouri governor visits troops in Afghanistan

KANDAHAR PROVINCE, Afghanistan – Jeremiah W. "Jay" Nixon, governor of Missouri, visited soldiers from his state in southern Afghanistan, Dec. 5.

Soldiers of the 1138th Engineer Company from Farmington, Mo., met with Gov. Nixon during the visit that included a briefing on current operations in the area, meeting with soldiers from the company, and lunch at the small dining facility located on their forward operating base.

“It is great to see support and interest in the work we do here from the commander in chief of the Missouri National Guard,” said Spc. Trey Maevers.

Several soldiers that decided to re-enlist were able to take the oath of enlistment from Gov. Nixon. The governor took time to personally thank each individual in the company formation. As he shook each soldier’s hand, he gave each a word of encouragement and thanked them for the difficult job they are doing.

“They’re road sweepers; it’s tough work,” said Nixon. “They’re the ones that are out there doing the hard work. Every time I’m here I’m inspired by the 24-7 get-it-done attitude, and am confident that Missourians, as usual, are not hesitating to assist when called on.”

Gov. Nixon took the opportunity to take a close look at the latest equipment used by the engineers for route clearance and was updated on their capabilities.

“The advancements in our equipment over the last ten years have had a tremendous impact in our soldiers abilities to do their jobs,” he said.

This is Gov. Nixon’s third trip overseas to visit Missouri troops in war zones. The 1138th Engineer Company currently serves under the 120th Engineer Battalion, Task Force Outlaw, supporting the theater-wide engineer mission of the 411th Engineer Brigade, Joint Task Force Empire, in Afghanistan.