Middletown National Guard unit honored before deploying for Operation Spartan Shield.

The Middletown National Guard MP unit is being honored before their deployment for Operation Spartan Shield, aimed at deterring regional threats. Among the deploying soldiers are first-time deployers Specialist Max Walls and Staff Sergeant Baylee Rathman, who plans to support female soldiers under her command. Heather Whalen, wife of a first-time deploying soldier, is preparing for her husband’s absence with support from her extended family.