LA PORTE COUNTY, Ind. --The Indiana National Guard announced this week that approximately 50 Hoosier soldiers said goodbye to family, friends and loved ones during a departure ceremony at Camp Atterbury Wednesday before deploying to southern Texas in support of Operation Lone Star.

At the Texas/Mexico border, the guardsmen will assist the Texas National Guard and the Texas Department of Public Safety in protecting the border.

"In our 209-year history, when there's danger out there, we've always been ready to go," said Indiana Gov. Mike Braun during his speech to the soldiers. "Thank you for answering the call and supporting the mission you're about to embark on."

Included among the 50 guardsmen is Sgt. Ryan Jensen, of La Porte, who was also deployed to Texas in March of 2024.

"Our mission there is to help the border patrol and DPS, and to help turn back illegal immigrants from crossing the border." said Jensen.

A National Guard spokesperson said the deployment should not last long and, after just a few weeks, many soldiers are scheduled to head back home to the Hoosier State.