Governor signs bill for Operation Lone Star funding
By Lt. Col. Noel Collins, Louisiana National Guard Public Affairs Office
NEW ORLEANS – House Bill 19 was signed into law by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry on March 7, 2024 after approval by the State Legislature last week during the Special Session.
Among additional items for other departments, the bill funds the mobilization of the Louisiana National Guard for Operation Lone Star. The amount approved for funding is $3 million and will cover pay and allowances, transportation, lodging, meals, and per diem.
LANG Soldiers will receive corresponding pay and allowances (for subsistence and housing) as they would when on federal orders. The LANG previously deployed to the Texas border in a federal status in 2020-2021.
“The Soldiers we’re sending to the border are ready to support the State of Texas. They’re trained, capable, and are going to work well with their Texas counterparts,” stated Brig. Gen. Thomas Friloux, adjutant general of Louisiana.
The LANG will send 50 Soldiers to Texas on three different rotations for approximately 30 days per rotation. The unit command team, consisting of company commander, first sergeant and their support staff, will remain in place for the entire 90-day mission to ensure accountability, continuity, structure, and discipline.
The first rotation will begin to muster in Louisiana and will be on mission in Texas no later than March 15, 2024. The LANG will remain in Texas until approximately June 12, 2024 when the final rotation of Soldiers begins transport back to Louisiana.
Soldiers from the 2-108th Cavalry Squadron in Shreveport, La. will complete the first two rotations with Soldiers from the 61st Troop Command, based in Carville, La. rounding out the remaining rotation.
“I am confident that we are sending the best group of Soldiers to support Texas. Our unit command team understands how to take care of Soldiers and accomplish the mission,” affirmed Friloux.