Gov. Charlie Baker was on hand at a send-off ceremony at UMass Lowell yesterday for 160 National Guard soldiers from the 1060th Transportation Company who are deploying to Kuwait.
The nine-month tour in support of Operation Spartan Shield is the third overseas deployment for the Framingham-based unit since Sept. 11, 2001.
It’s the first overseas tour for Spec. Matthew Hernon, 21, of South Yarmouth.
“I’m heartbroken, but at the same time, I’m just so proud that he’s doing this,” said his mother, Lisa Sears. “You know, when 9/11 first happened, he told us he was going to fight for our country overseas. Of course, you don’t really think much of it coming from a 7-year-old, but now here he is. We’re all very proud of him.”
