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Soldiers leave home to combat illegal immigration


By Ginger ten Bensel Dozens of Grand Island soldiers are heading to the U.S./Mexico border Sunday, just south of Arizona to help crackdown on illegal immigration in the country.

There was an emotional farewell when the troops took to the skies in their helicopters.

Saying goodbye is not easy for Heather and Matt McClure as they spend their last few minutes with their dad, Major Steve McClure, before he leaves on a six month mission.

“It makes me sad,” said Heather McClure.

Though it makes Heather feel sad, she and her brother are very proud of their dad.

“He has had to set aside family for a while and that is okay,” said Matt McClure. “I think he, is doing a great thing here.”

Thirty members of the Nebraska Army National Guard Company A 1st– 134th aviation are going to Arizona to fly Arial reconnaissance missions in OH58 helicopters.

“We show up ready to perform our mission and provide outstanding support to the customs boarder protection,” said Major Steve McClure. “They have shown a need for the assistance of the National Guard and we are gonna be ready to support them when we get there.”

For many of the soldiers, it is a challenge they are looking forward to.

“It is exciting to do a mission,” said Randy Schlensig. “We are trained for - we will be flying night vision, Google Mission in support of the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.”

To add to the excitement of the mission, family members will be able to visit the troops at certain times during their mission, since they will be based in Tucson Arizona.

“The family members will be able to come down and that is something we are looking forward to,” said Major McClure.

“Very unique mission deployed state side for a homeland defense mission which is what we are trained for,” said Schlensig.
And now they can put that training into action In Grand Island.







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