The National Guard’s role in recent Iran war operations drew praise Thursday in Washington, D.C., with officials noting they were “there for Midnight Hammer” and remain “always ready, always there.”
“You do your job no matter what,” War Secretary Pete Hegseth said, thanking the troops for carrying out their mission despite criticism, Democrat obstruction, leftist protests, heat and long hours.
“In fact, this background noise this morning is perfect. It’s the sound of ingrates — ingratitude of people who are so blinded by ideology they can’t see law and order and common sense in front of them.”
Hegseth said the Guard’s work in the capital is not political, but rooted in public safety.
“There’s nothing ideological about this group,” he added. “There’s nothing political about this exercise.
“Law and order is something all Americans deserve — Black, white, rich, poor, man or woman, from D.C. or far-flung places in this country.”
He also called the troops “the real 1%” of Americans who raised their right hand to serve.
“It’s incredible Americans like you who ignore the noise and you do your job and you do it with courage, and you do it with professionalism,” Hegseth said. “And you do it because you love your country, which is why you raised your right hand in the first place.”
Air Force Gen. Steven Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau, said, praising the Guard’s service in defining moments throughout U.S. history, from the Revolutionary War to World War II and modern operations in the Middle East.
“The National Guard has been there from the beginning,” he said.
“We joined George Washington as we won our independence back in 1776. We were there on the beaches as we came on Normandy and Omaha Beach on June 6, 1944. We were there for Midnight Hammer, Absolute Resolve and continue in Epic Fury, and our National Guard will be always ready, always there.”
Nordhaus said about 40,000 Guard members are currently engaged globally as the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary.
“Most Americans will get up and they’ll think about barbecues and family and friends,” Nordhaus said. “They’ll think about where they’re going to watch the fireworks. But our National Guard, about 40,000 globally engaged somewhere, and they’ll wake up and they’ll lace up their boots.”
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