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Officials announced that a deployment ceremony will be held later this month to honor Kansas Army National Guard soldiers from the 130th Field Artillery Brigade. The event is scheduled for 2 p.m. on Thursday, July 31, at the Kansas State University Alumni Center in Manhattan.
The deploying soldiers, led by Col. Daniel Ball, will support Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. Ball said the unit is “prepared and ready to execute their mission with professionalism and dedication,” noting the deployment highlights the brigade’s expertise and adaptability in supporting regional security.
The ceremony’s official party includes Brig. Gen. Carlin Williams, assistant adjutant general–Army; Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Hargis, land component command sergeant major; and Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald Gibson, brigade command sergeant major.
The 130th Field Artillery Brigade is headquartered in Manhattan, with subordinate units in Hutchinson, Hiawatha, and Hays. The brigade headquarters and Target Acquisition Platoon are expected to return to Kansas in the summer of 2026.