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SALT LAKE CITY — Gov. Spencer Cox called Utah National Guard troops home on Friday, just one week after approximately 360 troops were deployed to Washington, D.C., to support civil authorities for the inauguration of President Joe Biden after the Jan. 6 unrest at the U.S. Capitol.
Biden was sworn in as the 46th President of the United States on Wednesday morning.
"Since Jan. 15, our Utah National Guard troops have served in Washington, D.C. with distinction. Now it's time to bring them home as we need their help distributing COVID-19 vaccinations throughout the state," Cox said in a press release. "We're grateful for the willingness of these dedicated men and women to serve whenever and wherever they are needed."
In a COVID-19 briefing Thursday, Cox said that the Utah National Guard has been assisting Utah County with administering vaccines in some of the county's busier distribution centers.
According to a press release by the Utah National Guard, soldiers and airmen began administering those vaccinations in Utah County to civilians who are age 70 or older.
"We are excited to be on the frontlines of helping the governor in the delivery of vaccines," said Tech. Sgt. Eric Bornemeier, in a release. "We are here to serve the community, our families and neighbors; it's our job as Guards members to be of help and to serve."
According to the Utah National Guard, they will continue to provide the state with support to long-term care facilities; contact tracing and investigation teams; working to receive, stage, and ship personal protective equipment packages; mobile testing teams; lab call back; and additional support to the Utah Department of Health.
