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NC Senator not ruling out possibility of local troops being deployed to Middle East

PRE News & Ideas | By Annette Weston
Published March 9, 2026 at 6:27 AM EDT
Senior Airman Brittany Auld/U.S. Air Force
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DVIDS

North Carolina Senator Ted Budd is not ruling out the possibility of local troops being sent to the Middle East.

Speaking on the escalating conflict with Iran in several press conference and interviews last week, Budd called North Carolina "America’s 911," referring to the rapid-response capabilities of bases like Fort Liberty and Camp Lejeune.

While Budd says the President needs a full range of military options, he emphasized that the goal is to avoid another "forever war."

The comments came as the Army abruptly canceled a major training exercise for the 82nd Airborne, sparking further speculation about a potential deployment.
Annette Weston
Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to eastern North Carolina in 2019 to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of kiddo cuddling, reading, and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.
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