Indiana National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Purdue,

Indiana National Guard Sgt. 1st Class Alexander Purdue, of Greenville and with the 38th Infantry Division, swears in as an inspector general for the unit, Tuesday, June 11, 2019. "I'm excited to take this next step, help my fellow soldiers and fulfill my duties and obligations as an inspector general," said Purdue prior to the swear-in ceremony. Purdue, who's served 17 years in the National Guard, is one of approximately 600 division soldiers slated to deploy to the Middle East to support Task Force Spartan to help foster partner capacity and lasting relationships in the region. This will be the third deployment for Purdue, who previously deployed twice to Afghanistan in 2004 to 2005 and in 2010 to 2011. "I joined to serve my country out of a sense of patriotism and adventure," said Purdue. Inspectors general are the eyes, ears, voice and conscience of the Army across the spectrum of operations.