PHOENIX — For the first time, we’re hearing from the leader of the 40 Arizona National Guard members injured in the drone attack on a U.S. base in northeast Jordan last weekend. It was the same attack that killed three soldiers from Georgia.
“I don’t know any other word, except for humility and pride to sit there and talk to them,” said Major General Kerry Muehlenbeck, Arizona National Guard Adjutant General, at the Papago Park Military Reservation.
On Saturday, Muehlenbeck shed new light on the impact the drone attack at tower 22 in Jordan had on January 28th.
“There were 40 identified wounded, three were killed in action, none of the three that were killed in action belong to the Arizona National Guard,” she said. “Of the 40 that were wounded, the bulk of those were Arizona National guardsman, and of the bulk that were wounded, the majority of those have since returned to duty.”
Muehlenbeck said that while most of those injured had cuts and bruises, they had to medically evacuate three of their soldiers. Two have since returned to their posts, while the third is still hospitalized.
“I did have the opportunity to visit with our soldier,” said Muehlenbeck. “(It was) quite the humbling experience to say the least.”
She said the soldier, who has since been evacuated back to the U.S., is in good spirits and well on the road to recovery.
Thankfully, that soldier along with the others are all expected to recover.
“Our focus now certainly is on building the resilience for these soldiers as they move forward and also supporting the family members,” said Muehlenbeck.
They are all part of the 158th infantry, also known as the "Bushmasters," which deployed 400 Arizona soldiers to the Middle East in September.
“Their mission has been law and order and also personal security,” she said.
Back here at home, there’s an immense amount of gratitude for the soldiers.
“Thank you and I would say I am extremely proud of them… from what I understand by all accounts, even talking to the wounded soldier, this soldier was even impressed with her comrades and how, when tragedy struck, every individual on the ground were acting in conformity with their training,” said Muehlenbeck. “…and I think frankly, we would expect no less from our guardsmen, that they responded well, that they have come together to take care of the injured, and that they are continuing to come together.”
Muehlenbeck said they are proud of the families and the family support for the members of the Arizona National Guard who are still serving in that region.
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