INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana National Guard members stationed in Kenya — who will not be home for Thanksgiving and likely Christmas — asked Gov. Eric Holcomb only for more ping pong balls and corn hole bags during a visit this week.
“I think I can do that,” Holcomb told reporters of the requests. “(The soldiers) just ooze duty, honor, country. They’re so patriotic, they’re so focused, they’re so trained.”
Holcomb flew to Kenya, a neighbor to war-torn Somalia, on invitation from Indiana Adjutant General Dale Lyles.
About 130 soldiers serving with the Indiana National Guard’s Airborne company in Seymour, have been deployed to Kenya’s Camp Simba since April 2023. They’re scheduled to return in 2024.
The operation, dubbed “Enduring Freedom” has been ongoing in the Horn of Africa since 2002.
On other topics, Holcomb said he doesn’t yet have a new pick for the next commander-in-chief after former Vice President and former Indiana Gov. Mike Pence dropped out of the presidential race.
“I have a lot on my plate,” Holcomb said, with a pointed glance at his surroundings. “We’ll see what role Indiana plays in the whole process. But, I’ll be looking for the individual who best articulates a substantive agenda or plan, and more importantly, how to execute it.”
Holcomb is term-limited. Six Republicans, a Democrat, and a Libertarian are vying to succeed him in a 2024 election.
He also said his administration hasn’t been questioned in an investigation of gambling-related wrongdoing. Former Shelbyville Rep. Sean Eberhart agreed to plead guilty last week to a federal felony charge related to a bribe from a casino executive for favorable legislation.
“President Pro Tem (Rodric Bray) and the Speaker (Todd Huston), they’re men of very high ethical standards and I’ll leave it to them,” Holcomb said. “We’ll continue to make sure that we’re transparent and hold people accountable if they cross the line as well. We have zero tolerance.”
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