Arkansas National Guard Troops Deploy to Southwest Asia

Hundreds bid farewell to 142nd Field Artillery Brigade as they head to the Middle East for nine-month mission

Apr. 7, 2026 at 5:00pm

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A cinematic painting of a lone military transport vehicle parked on a deserted city street, with warm light and deep shadows creating a pensive, nostalgic mood.As Arkansas National Guard troops deploy to a volatile region, their sendoff ceremony evokes a sense of quiet contemplation and the weight of their mission.Bentonville Today

Hundreds of people gathered in Bentonville, Arkansas to bid farewell to about 130 members of the Arkansas National Guard's 142nd Field Artillery Brigade as they deployed to southwest Asia for a nine-month mission. The deployment comes amid ongoing U.S. involvement in a war with Iran that began in late February. The brigade will relieve another National Guard unit and serve in at least four undisclosed countries in the region.

Why it matters

This deployment is part of the U.S. military's ongoing operations in the Middle East, known as Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve, which aim to work with regional partners against threats and assist in the defeat of the Islamic State group. The 142nd Field Artillery Brigade has a long history of service, dating back to 1893, and has been called upon to serve in the region before, underscoring the continued importance of the National Guard's role in U.S. military operations.

The details

The 142nd Field Artillery Brigade will first spend a month or two training at Fort Bliss, Texas before deploying overseas. More than half of the unit's troops are deploying for the first time, including Sgt. Thomas Jaron Kiefer and Sgt. Chris Grier, who both said emotional goodbyes to their young children. The brigade's commander, Col. Jonathan Smith, said the mission has been scheduled for years but the 'intensity has gone up' in the last four weeks due to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

  • The 142nd Field Artillery Brigade deployment ceremony took place on April 6, 2026 in Bentonville, Arkansas.
  • The brigade will spend a month or two training at Fort Bliss, Texas before deploying to southwest Asia for a nine-month mission.
  • The U.S. conflict with Iran began in late February 2026.

The players

Congressman Steve Womack

A U.S. Representative from Arkansas who attended the sendoff ceremony.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

The Governor of Arkansas who spoke at the sendoff ceremony and thanked the troops for their service.

Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges

The Adjutant General of Arkansas who told the troops he was proud of them during the sendoff ceremony.

Col. Jonathan Smith

The commander of the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade who spoke to reporters about the upcoming deployment.

Sgt. Thomas Jaron Kiefer

A member of the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade who is deploying for the first time and said goodbye to his two children.

Sgt. Chris Grier

A member of the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade who is deploying for the first time and said goodbye to his wife and two-year-old son.

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What they’re saying

“We don't ever want to go to war, we don't ever want to fight, but we're going to be here to protect our country.”

— Col. Jonathan Smith, Commander, 142nd Field Artillery Brigade

“This is monumental. This is emotional. It should be because it's meaningful.”

— Brig. Gen. Chad Bridges, Adjutant General of Arkansas

“You are headed to one of the most volatile regions in the entire world, and the whole state is thankful for your service, for what you're doing and we will be praying daily for your safety.”

— Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Governor of Arkansas

“It's so exciting to see him grow and know that everything that we're doing has an impact on the future for him. Everything I did before mattered, but after I had my son, night and day difference.”

— Sgt. Chris Grier, Arkansas National Guard Member

“This is a little bit of a tearjerker saying goodbye to my two kids at daycare Monday.”

— Sgt. Thomas Jaron Kiefer, Arkansas National Guard Member

What’s next

The 142nd Field Artillery Brigade will spend the next month or two training at Fort Bliss, Texas before deploying to southwest Asia for their nine-month mission.

The takeaway

This deployment highlights the continued importance of the National Guard's role in U.S. military operations, as the 142nd Field Artillery Brigade has a long history of service dating back to 1893 and has been called upon multiple times to support missions in the Middle East. The emotional sendoff ceremony underscores the sacrifices made by Guard members and their families as they answer the call to protect the nation.