INDIANAPOLIS – Approximately 300 Indiana National Guard Soldiers arrived in Washington Dec. 6 to support the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission.

Hoosier Guard members will assist local and federal law enforcement partners, conduct community safety patrols and manage traffic control posts to reduce crime, minimize property damage and keep the peace.

Indiana National Guard Lt. Col. Derek Sutton, commander of the D.C. contingent, reiterated that message in his departure ceremony speech in Franklin on Dec. 5.

“In Washington, D.C., our mission is simple. We will help create a safer environment for the people who live, work and visit there. We will support civil authorities and stand as a visible reminder that the National Guard is the bridge between everyday Americans and their military,” Sutton said.

Hoosier National Guard Soldiers have been training at Camp Atterbury since mid-November, preparing for their mission that includes response, crowd management and de-escalation techniques.

“We are ready, and there is mission-specific training that we need to take on,” Sutton said during the training events.

For the evolving mission, Hoosier Guard members will continue training with Joint Task Force – District of Columbia.

“It is about reminding anyone who would do harm that there are trained, disciplined professional Soldiers on watch,” Sutton said during his ceremony speech.

The Dec. 5 ceremony at the Johnson County Armory included Indiana National Guard leadership, fellow Soldiers and hundreds of family members of the departing Soldiers.

“It is clear to us that you are trained and vary capable to conduct this mission,” said Brig. Gen. Cathy Eaken, a 38th Infantry Division commanding general.