Pennsylvania National Guard’s 131st Transportation Company prepares for deployment to Europe, ready to support NATO and Ukraine with logistics and humanitarian aid.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — After months of preparation, leaders and soldiers are ready to support the army abroad.

In a report to U.S. Congress, the Office of Inspector General explained the initiative is to prevent further Russian aggression against NATO and Ukraine.

And members of the Pa. National Guard are gearing up to support the operation in the next few weeks.

Sgt. First Class Luke Martin spent some of his final quality time with his family and little one, Lucas, his best friend and buddy, six months old and a bundle of joy.

“He’s going to probably start crawling and walking, a little talking,” Martin, a soldier in the 131st Transportation Company said. “Definitely going to miss some of that, but excited to see him bigger when I get back, So, excited to hug him when we get back.”

Martin, along with roughly 150 members of the Pennsylvania National Guard’s 131st Transportation Company, will be deployed to Europe for Operation Atlantic Resolve in the coming weeks.

“We’re happy to be here, and we’re ready to go. The history of the 131. It’s a lot of history, and I’m very proud to be a part of it,” said Martin.

Martin has been a servicemember for 16 years. Operation Atlantic Resolve is his second deployment, with his first back in 2020.

Capt. Jason Hadley is the commander of these members of the guard.

“It’s extremely important we’ll be there to be able to provide a crucial logistical support to all of our NATO allies that are there. So, we’re honored to be able to do such a thing,” he said.

The group has trained for the past 18 months and was notified in January that they would be heading overseas.

“Essential for your communication back home to your friends and family. Reach out, let them know how you’re doing. A supported soldier is an effective soldier,” Col. Jeremy Coleman, commander of the 213th Regional Support Group said.

The unit will support operations by providing equipment, focusing on security assistance, and humanitarian support over the next year.

“I don’t know how to describe it. It’s just great to see all the families to come out. it’s very emotional seeing all the support that’s really there for us and the soldiers,” Hadley said.

Families like the Martin’s surrounded their loved ones, eager to get as many hugs as they could.

“The biggest goal is to bring everybody home safe with our platoon. I want everybody to grow as soldiers and leaders and come back a better person and benefit the National Guard,” Martin said.

“Take care of yourselves, take care of each other, and we’ll see you back home. Honor first,” said Coleman