CHEYENNE — Gov. Mark Gordon recently visited with more than 400 members of the Wyoming Army National Guard deployed across the Middle East. These Wyoming soldiers are deployed with the 115th Field Artillery Brigade and the 2-300th Field Artillery Regiment.

“It has been an honor to spend a few days visiting the men and women of our Wyoming National Guard,” Gordon said. “I saw them off last year knowing they would be deployed for months, with an understanding that the mission was critical to our Homeland’s defense. I knew our Cowboy Guard would represent Wyoming with Cowboy Pride, and I’m pleased to report that the Wyoming Guard has earned high praise across the military for their performance during their deployment."

During his visit, Gordon shared meals with soldiers, received briefings on operations, and recognized soldiers for outstanding achievements, according to a release. The governor and his military leadership team also met with King Abdullah II of Jordan, discussing opportunities for Wyoming industries in Jordan.

"These soldiers have been away from their families and their jobs for a long time, and we should recognize the hardship this creates for them and their families back home," Gordon said. "I ask that we thank the family members of our deployed folks, and show our appreciation to the employers who understand the importance of our Guard mission. I look forward to greeting these men and women on their return home.”

In addition to visiting the troops, the governor met with the U.S. embassies of Kuwait and Jordan; ministers of energy and oil; as well as industry officials, to discuss similarities in oil, gas and minerals development, including rare earth elements. The preliminary, high-level discussions touched on opportunities for Wyoming industries to assist in the development of energy and minerals.

Following his visit with the soldiers, Gordon continued on to lead his previously announced trade mission to Taiwan and Japan.