Montana Army National Guard Earns Commendation For Overseas Service

Montana Guard Unit Recognized for Outstanding Service in the Middle East

The Montana Army National Guard’s 1889th Regional Support Group (RSG), headquartered in Butte, has been awarded the prestigious Meritorious Unit Commendation for its exceptional service during a recent overseas deployment.

From August 2023 to April 2024, the 1889th RSG supported Operation Inherent Resolve across multiple locations in Iraq, Syria, and Kuwait.

The unit assumed command and control responsibilities over several base operations support sites, providing essential life support, logistics, and security coordination for U.S. and coalition forces operating in the region.

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“This award reflects the incredible work and sacrifice of the Soldiers of the 1889th RSG,” said Brig. Gen. Michael Moreni, who led the unit during the deployment. “They performed their duties with professionalism, integrity, and unwavering commitment—often under demanding conditions.”

There are roughly 2,290 soldiers in the Montana National Guard.

The Meritorious Unit Commendation is reserved for units that display exceptionally meritorious conduct while engaged in military operations against an armed enemy. A formal ceremony to present the award and affix the Meritorious Unit streamer to the unit’s colors will be held later this year in Butte, according to the press release.

About Operation Inherent Resolve.

Per the Department of Defense, Operation Inherent Resolve's mission:

Combined Joint Task Force - Operation Inherent Resolve advises, assists, and enables Partner Forces to secure lasting defeat of ISIS and to enable the establishment of an enduring security cooperation framework. 

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Montana’s deep military tradition is well known.

The Treasure State consistently ranks near the top nationally for enlistment rates per capita, and more than 10% of its adult population are veterans, among the highest in the country.