Written by Michael Palomba
Governors Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida are pulling their troops out of Washington D.C., following poor treatment and substandard conditions.
I have instructed General Norris to order the return of the Texas National Guard to our state. @TexasGuard
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) January 22, 2021
Last night, I ordered our Adjutant General to bring Florida National Guard soldiers home from the National Capital Region.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) January 22, 2021
“They are soldiers,” DeSantis said, “They are not Nancy Pelosi’s servants.”
Over 25,000 National Guard Troops were delegated to the nation’s Capitol for Biden’s inauguration on Wednesday.
On Thursday night, however, thousands of troops were ordered to vacate congressional buildings and take their rest breaks outside or in nearby parking garages. Keep in mind, D.C. is nothing like sunny San Diego. On Thursday night, temperatures dipped into the 30’s. Those who didn’t have to rest outside and were sent to the parking garage didn’t have it much better. It has been reported that the garage had no internet reception, one electrical outlet, and only 1 bathroom with just 2 stalls. These ‘amenities’ had to be shared between 5,000 troops.
“Yesterday dozens of senators and congressmen walked down our lines taking photos, shaking our hands and thanking us for our service. Within 24 hours, they had no further use for us and banished us to the corner of a parking garage. We feel incredibly betrayed,” said a Guardsman said.
To add insult to injury, it seems the troops weren’t well protected from COVID-19 either. More than 100 have tested positive and several hundred are quarantining after being exposed or exhibiting symptoms.
“We did not get Covid tests on arrival,” said another Guard member. “Right after the holidays they packed us together like sardines in buses and rooms for this.”
Photo via Politico
