VALLEY CITY, ND (KXNET) — The North Dakota National Guard's (NDNG) 142nd Engineer Battalion received a send-off ceremony as they are about to deploy to the southern border for a year to help U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Senator John Hoeven paid tribute to the members of the battalion, thanking them for the challenge they are about to undertake. “The National Guard represents the finest men and women in our country," Hoeven said. "Their work each day to protect our nation, both at home and abroad, does not go unnoticed. I’ve seen firsthand the work of our Guard at the southern border, and they have provided invaluable service during this immigration crisis. I’m confident the 142nd Engineer Battalion will continue to provide this valuable support." Minot police officer awarded for helping man in crisis The 142nd Engineer Battalion is the fourth NDNG unit to deploy to the southern border in the last several years, following the 957 Engineer Company, the 1-112 Aviation Regiment, and the 817th Engineer Company. "Their assistance to CBP will help better address the crisis at our southern border, including by helping to fight back against human and drug trafficking," Hoeven continued. "We need to secure the border, because border security is national security." Hoeven previously met with NDNG members in El Paso, Texas as well as Del Rio and Eagle Pass, Texas, to highlight NDNG missions to mitigate the crisis at the southern border.  Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW