One Mission, Many Perspectives: Minnesota National Guard Soldiers and Families Face Deployment Together
On Oct. 11, 2026, Soldiers, families and friends gathered in Red Wing, Minnesota, for a deployment ceremony honoring approximately 100 Soldiers assigned to the 434th Chemical Company. The Soldiers are preparing to deploy later this fall to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility, where they will support chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) operations.
“We will be at the ready for decontamination, site surveillance and recon for chemicals,” said U.S. Army Capt. Darien Benson, commander of the 434th Chemical Company.
While the Soldiers prepare for the operational demands of their mission, Benson also recognizes the emotional and personal challenges that come with leaving loved ones behind. His message to the Soldiers, families and communities supporting the deployment is simple: “no Soldier deploys alone.”
For experienced Soldiers like U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Russell Moog, that message extends beyond the ceremony and into the leadership and mentorship he hopes to provide throughout the deployment. He hopes to use both his military and personal experiences to help younger Soldiers navigate challenges and approach the deployment with a positive mindset.
“Being a father, being a husband, being an older Soldier, I have a lot that I can bring to the table as far as life experience and Soldier experience,” Moog said.
However, not every Soldier preparing to deploy has that same experience to draw from.
For U.S. Army Private First Class Eh Htoo, the upcoming deployment will be his first, bringing an entirely different set of expectations and uncertainties. When Htoo initially learned he would be deploying, he had completed Basic Combat Training but had not yet attended Advanced Individual Training (AIT), where Soldiers learn the skills specific to their military occupation.
“I didn’t know what to expect. I had no idea what I was going to do, especially when I haven’t been to AIT yet,” Htoo said.
After completing AIT, Htoo returned to his unit with a better understanding of his responsibilities and greater confidence in his ability to contribute to the mission.
While Htoo prepares for his first deployment, his family is also navigating unfamiliar territory. This will be their first experience having a loved one serve overseas, making the time leading up to his departure especially meaningful.
His father, Hay Tha Htoo, shared how the family has been spending time together through faith, worship and shared experiences. Despite the uncertainty of having his son overseas, he views the deployment as an opportunity for personal growth.
“As a father, I want my son to go out and be free. Gain more knowledge, receive more education, and be a leader to people. We will be there for encouragement,” Hay Tha Htoo said.
Whether facing a first deployment or another period of separation, encouragement and communication remain common themes among the Soldiers and families preparing for the months ahead.
For U.S. Army First Sgt. Earl Rawls, first sergeant of the 434th Chemical Company, maintaining those connections is an important part of overcoming the challenges of deployment. His advice to Soldiers and their families' centers on trusting one another and keeping communication open.
“Believe in each other. communicate. That value, that connection you have with somebody is usually what gets you through the tough stuff,” Rawls said.
As the 434th Chemical Company prepares to depart for its mission in the CENTCOM area of responsibility, Soldiers and families are making the most of their remaining time together. Whether preparing for a first deployment or another period of separation, the importance of family, communication and community support remains at the focus of their deployment ceremony.
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