JAMESTOWN, ND (KXNET) — Senator John Hoeven today recognized the service of the North Dakota National Guard's (NDNG) 817th Engineer Company, which has been deployed for a year supporting U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) operations at the southern border. Hoeven thanked the members of the NDNG and their families for the sacrifices they made defending the country, and recognized them for the accolades they earned during their recent deployment. These accomplishments include: 62 Army Commendation Medals. 53 Army Achievement Medals. 9 Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medals. 2 Meritorious Service Medals. “The members of the National Guard, particularly in North Dakota, are some of the finest men and women our nation has to offer. The 817th Engineer Company’s record of excellence during their recent deployment to the southern border drives this point home,” Hoeven said. “We are deeply grateful to our Guard members for all of the ways they protect our country and for representing our state with honor and distinction. We continue working to ensure they have the training, equipment, and support they need to succeed in the wide range of missions we ask of them." Send-off ceremony honors National Guard members about to deploy to the southern border Hoeven also made it a point to emphasize that protecting the border will remain a priority for him, as well as the new Congress and administration. "At the same time, getting our border under control remains a top priority for the new Congress and administration. That means supporting our border professionals and giving CBP the technology, infrastructure and personnel needed to secure the border,” Hoeven said. Four NDNG units have been deployed to the southern border since 2018. Hoeven previously met with members in El Paso, Texas, as well as Del Rio and Eagle Pass, Texas, to raise awareness about the issues we face at the border and highlight the NDNG's work supporting CBP operations. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Today's Top Stories SIGN UP NOW