Reader disturbed to read of National Guard's deployment mission

To the editor,

I write in reference to the article on page one of the Nov. 12, 2019 issue of the Daily Record with the headline ‘San Marcos hosts Texas National Guard…’

In reading the article I was amazed to discover that the unit is to deploy for combat for the first time in 74 years (WW II) that is has done so. I was also amazed and a bit disturbed that they are to provide “rocket missile fire to support the war front.” I pay attention to the news and am unaware that we were at war. Is Congress so distracted that they forgot to mention this? 

Sen. Cornyn informs us that the unit will be providing support for Operation Inherent Resolve as part of a Combined Joint Task Force. Good to know — although I am at a loss to explain what that operation is or what its mission might be. 

I recall being informed that we are pulling troops out of Syria as a fulfillment of a promise made by the President to do so. I am wondering how this deployment fits into the overall concept of “bringing the troops home.” 

In this case, as in other, who is responsible for “fake news?”

Respectfully,

Gordon L. Sabin