Soldiers of the 130th Field Artillery Brigade, Kansas Army National Guard, will be honored at a deployment ceremony Thursday, July 31, 2025. The ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. at the Kansas State University Alumni Center, 1720 Anderson Ave., Manhattan. The deploying Soldiers will be under the command of Col. Daniel Ball.
“Kansas soldiers make tremendous sacrifices, and I thank those who choose to serve,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Our state depends on the selfless men and women of the Kansas Army National Guard every day – both when deploying overseas and in service to their mission at home.”
“Our soldiers are prepared and ready to execute their mission with professionalism and dedication,” said Ball. “This deployment represents a significant opportunity for the 130th FAB Headquarters to demonstrate the expertise and adaptability of our force. As the Force Field Artillery Headquarters, we will play a pivotal role in supporting operations that enhance regional security and stability.”
In addition to Ball, the official party for the ceremony will include Brig. Gen. Carlin Williams, assistant adjutant general – Army and commander of the Kansas Army National Guard, Command Sgt. Maj. Chris Hargis, land component command sergeant major, and Command Sgt. Maj. Gerald Gibson, brigade command sergeant major.
The brigade headquarters and Target Acquisition Platoon are deploying in support of Operations Spartan Shield and Inherent Resolve. The Soldiers are expected to return to Kansas sometime in the summer of 2026.
The 130th Field Artillery Brigade is based out of Manhattan with subordinate units located in Hutchinson, Hiawatha and Hays.
