COLCHESTER, Vt. (AP) — The Vermont National Guard is going to be sending about 100 infantry soldiers to Washington to help provide security for the inauguration of President-elect Joe Biden.
Most of the soldiers will be from the 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team.
Vermont Adjutant Gen. Greg Knight, the head of the Vermont National Guard, says they are honored to help secure the presidential inauguration.
The mission was approved by Vermont Gov. Phil Scott.
“After the tragic events at our Capitol on January 6, we must do all we can to secure a peaceful transition of power on Inauguration Day,” Scott said in a statement. “I am grateful to the brave men and women of the Vermont National Guard for their service and doing their part during this deployment to protect our republic and the democratic values we hold dear.”
The Vermont soldiers will be among nearly 20,000 National Guard soldiers being called upon to provide security after last week’s assault on the U.S. Capitol by a mob of insurrectionists. All the Vermont soldiers will follow COVID-19 protocols and may quarantine on their return from Washington.
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