DuBOIS — State Rep. Matt Gabler, R-DuBois, on Thursday announced that he will deploy to the Middle East in early 2018, as part of his service as a captain in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard.
Gabler serves as a medical logistics officer in the 28th Infantry Division Headquarters, the oldest division in the United States Army. He will join approximately 500 soldiers from his division in deploying to the Middle East.
The 28th Infantry Division Headquarters and Headquarters Battalion will be the third National Guard unit to provide mission command for several thousand troops supporting Operation Spartan Shield (OSS). This mission includes units conducting theater security cooperative activities and partnership operations in several countries throughout the Middle East. Additionally, the headquarters will conduct battle staff training directly with partner nation military units.
“As both a soldier and a state representative, I took an oath to support and defend the constitutions of the United States and Pennsylvania, and that is what I intend to do throughout this deployment,” Gabler stated. “I am thankful that the people of Elk and Clearfield counties are so supportive of the men and women of our armed services. Having their support while I am deployed is something that will help sustain me during my time overseas.”
Gabler has served as an officer in the 28th Infantry Division, since 2012. He was commissioned as an Army Reserve Officer in 2006. Two years later, he assumed command of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment of the 424th Multifunctional Medical Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve, in Newtown Square. Gabler held that position until he transferred to his current position in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. During his military service, Gabler has earned promotion to 1st lieutenant and captain.
Gabler’s full-time military orders are expected to cover most of the 2018 calendar year, during which time he will leave behind his wife, Lisa, and 1-year-old daughter, Caroline, as well as many other family members and friends.
“I am making certain that during my upcoming deployment, my office will continue to seamlessly serve the people of the 75th District with their state-related issues,” added Gabler. “Whether serving in the Army or the state House, I am honored to do my part to help our country and communities, but I look forward to again taking up the duties of state representative when I return.”
